Goat curry part of the adventure

FUNDRAISING MISSION: Daniel Lee, 23, has reached the halfway point on his walking adventure for the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter and will start phase two today. PHOTO/SUPPLIED.

Running down goats for curry, walking knee deep in mud and carrying a mobile home has become the norm for one local adventurer.

After 61 days on the Te Araroa Trail and $9,520 worth of donations Daniel Lee has reached the halfway point on his walk for the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter.

"So far it has been epic. I get to explore New Zealand's back yard all while supporting such a good cause."

Starting off at New Zealand's most northern point, Cape Reinga, Mr Lee made his way along 90 mile beach, through King Country, down the Wanganui River, up and over the Tararua Ranges and in to Wellington.

Carrying his mobile bed, cous cous, lentils, dehrydated mash, wraps and porridge, Mr Lee said his daily routine was down packed.

"I can set up my tent blindfolded and backwards. When the birds tell me to get up I wake up and then I stop when I find a spot I like, there really is no structure to it."

Mr Lee said food now meant everything to him.

"I took so much of the basics for granted before I left. Food makes you feel so good and lifts your vibe up when your wet, cold and tired. A warm pie- you can't beat it."

Water was another basic he has since learnt to be grateful for.

"Finding a creek with fresh water in it is like heaven to me out there."

Walking on average 27km a day his New Years excursion down the Wanganui River was welcomed with open arms.

Mr Lee was joined by fellow Te Araroa trail walkers from around the world as they canoed there way in to the new year.

"It was here that I ran down a goat and turned it in to a goat curry for everyone. We all sat around eating it, it was pretty funny."

The walk has been no easy feet for Mr Lee with wild weather closing in on several occasions.

Towards the start of his walk inland from Keri Keri the 23-year-old spent six days in a "gnarly" and "bushy" forest walking knee deep in mud.

Then when he reached the Tararua Ranges last week he was hit with the national weather bomb.

"I was lucky to have two of my good mates with me. It rained for five days straight and the views would have been amazing but we couldn't see a thing."

Looking back Mr Lee has been blown away by the generosity of people throughout the North Island.

He had been offered beds in shearers quarters, sheds and houses from family members, friends and people he hadn't even met.

"People I don't know will stop me on the street and ask what I'm doing. As I was coming in to Wellington one lady asked how she could follow me and when I went online later she had donated and sent me a nice message."

Mr Lee was now well in reach of his fundraising goal of $10,000 with $9,520 in the bank and a whole island to go.

"I am just happy I can help and I have become very grateful for everything that I used to take for granted. Bring on the mighty South."

After a couple of days relaxing in Wellington he boards his ferry today to begin stage two of his fundraising mission.

To donate go to his Givealittle page and search Dan's Walk and to follow his adventure like Dan's Walk on Facebook.