Originally Brandon was to have kayaked some of the way, but plans for a support crew fell through, so he switched to Plan B, which saw him heading south totally self-sufficient. Everything he needed, from a tent to a cell phone with a solar-powered charger and a global locator gizmo, was on his back, as were a fishing rod and a rifle, which he hopes will help feed him.
He would be living off the land, he said, and while he had a modest sum of money in his pocket he wasn't planning on spending it. Small game and fish would be on the menu as opposed to anything that had to be bought, and his uncle Dana was relieved to hear that the shellfish ban imposed on the lower Northland west coast late last year, in response to high toxin levels, had been lifted.
He would be swimming across some of the smaller stretches of water that confronted him as opposed to walking around them - his gear was all stored in dry bags, and he was carrying a pair of flippers - but was hoping to cadge a lift with a fisherman or someone of that ilk to get past the likes of the Kaipara Harbour.
Todd said his son was very fit and determined, and he had no real concerns for his safety.
"Drago and Anna will do the worrying," he said.
"This is a man who leaps off bridges to amuse himself, and he has everything he needs, so we don't really have any fears. He'll be fine."
Brandon had already excelled at an outdoor pursuits course in Cromwell, and as a limited services volunteer with the Army at Hobsonville, where he won the Warrant Officer of Defence award.
There is more to the adventure than a personal challenge though. The second aim was to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Some $250 had found its way into the kitty late last week, mainly thanks to Brandon's family and friends, but he was hoping for much more before he gets back to Cape Reinga.
Contributions may be made via www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/aroundthecoast, while Brandon's progress will be updated daily on www.facebook.com/runningfullanz
