Man and his dogs take the longest walk to raise awareness

A man and his two dogs have stopped by Rotorua as they travel New Zealand on foot hoping to introduce Kiwis to their local animal welfare organisations.

Stephen Brassett, his pugalier Jake and chihuahua cross Piccolo began their "Longest Walk" in Invercargill in January.

The trio are now just over halfway as they zig zag up the country stopping in at 46 SPCAs and other welfare organisations along the way.

"It's been going pretty well," Mr Brassett said.

Onto his third pair of trainers he said there had been moments his body had needed to rest.

He was thankful for the sponsorship he had received from Kathmandu which came to the party with replacement shoes.

"Everyone's been really supportive.

"They're pretty active in stopping to have a chat and finding out what's going on."

The trailer Stephen Brassett is towing as he walks the length of the country weighs 100kg. Photo/Stephen Parker

Mr Brassett had worked in animal shelters across Australia and New Zealand but said he found himself getting burnt out.

"I felt my role was quite reactive and I wanted to do something proactive," he said.

"I'm really just trying to introduce people to what's in their area.

"What is around and who they can go to."

When he initially mapped out his route Mr Brassett said he was looking at 4500 to 5000km, but he was taking any opportunities as they came up.

"Opportunities sometimes come up along the way and I take them," he said.

"I just make a call and I roll with it."

The journey has taken six months so far and Mr Brassett is hoping to finish up by Christmas.

Jack and Piccolo inside their home for the year. Photo/Stephen Parker

As he walks the country he is also towing a 100kg trailer which he sleeps in with the two dogs.

"When I am on the flat it feels like a 15kg back pack, but when I am going uphill it feels like 150kg," he said.

"Going up hills hurts the legs and going downhill hurts my back."

The modified bike camper can hold enough food for 10 days, enough dog food for 20 days and 11 litres of water.

His next journey will take him back down to Taupo, which he estimated would take at least five days.

To follow the trio on their journey or to donate to the cause visit https://thelongestwalknz.wordpress.com/

Stephen Brassett and his dogs are travelling the country spreading a message of animal welfare. Photo/Stephen Parker