Media Advisory for immediate use 2 March 2009

Food, Fame And Fatigue Combine For Celebrity Walk Week

Walkers from across New Zealand will be dusting off their boots and sorting out their scroggin for the annual Meridian Celebrity Walk Week, which kicks off on 6 March, in western Southland.

The three day guided scenic loop walk over the Hump Ridge Track raises money for the Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust.

Trampers will be joined by a selection of surprise New Zealand celebrities, and meals during the walk are catered by some of the finest chefs in Southland.

Mel Seyfort, Sponsorship Manager for event sponsor Meridian, says the company is excited to be able to support such a fun and popular event.

“The Meridian Celebrity Walk Week at Hump Ridge Track is definitely something you don’t want to miss. The three-day walk combines amazing scenery matched by unforgettable kiwi cuisine,” she says.

Each morning walkers can pay to have the weight literally lifted off their shoulders while a helicopter whisks their bags to the next night’s destination.

“We are delighted to be a able to support the Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust’s mission to make this unique part of Southland accessible to visitors, while protecting its picturesque environment. It is an area that is extremely important to Meridian and we feel privileged to be able to operate in this beautiful part of New Zealand,” says Mel Seyfort.

Trish King, General Manager of the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track, is delighted to have the sponsorship and support of Meridian.

“Meridian's sponsorship has put the event on a firm footing, which will enable the Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust to raise the profile of the walk, as well as other activities available in the Tuatapere region,” she says.

“The partnership with Meridian also offers New Zealanders the opportunity to enjoy a fully guided walk at a very "kiwi" price and the chance to explore some spectacular scenery in their own back yard,” she added.

The 53-kilometre Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track was opened in November 2001. It passes through bush, beaches and sub-alpine terrain. The breathtaking scenery takes in views of the South Coast, Stewart Island, Lake Poteriteri, Lake Hauroko and mountain ranges deep in Fiordland National Park. The Hump Ridge dominates the landscape from Lake Hauroko to Te Waewae Bay.

Key features of the track include the chance to see Hectors dolphins in Te Waewae Bay, marine terraces with pristine Beech and Podocarp forests, moonscapes of tors and tarns and historic viaducts.

The price for the guided walk is $595 per person (normally $1395) for a luxury trip with all the bells and whistles. All proceeds go to the Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust.

For package information visit www.humpridgetrack.co.nz.

ENDS

© Scoop Media