Scott's got something to skike about

Ice hockey player Scott Kvick plans to skike the length of New Zealand for charity. Photo / Otago Daily Times

Forget cross-country skiing on the freezing slopes of the Southern Alps. Scott Kvick is preparing a ski trip with a difference - on State Highway 1 for the length of New Zealand in the middle of summer.

The 19-year-old University of Otago geology student plans to "ski" 2150km from Cape Reinga to Bluff on skikes - skis with wheels - in a bid to raise $20,000 for Canteen and the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"I've learned that many people have to endure far greater challenges than I do, and it's not their choice. So I figured I would like to help out these people as best I can."

Mr Kvick said the idea for his fundraising campaign was the result of his love of ice hockey. He plays defence for Dunedin Thunder in the national ice hockey league.

He would have liked to skate the distance but because that has been done (on inline skates and rollerskates) he decided on skikes.

Mr Kvick plays ice hockey seven days a week and has begun skiking up to 20km twice a week.

He hopes to build up his distances to 70km each day - the distance he will travel each day on his fundraising journey, which he will begin on January 4 next year and hopes to finish in mid-February.

While the trip would be gruelling, Mr Kvick said it would be his "most memorable ski trip".

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES