Des' quest to help the kiwi

WOW VIEW: Des Lehndorf takes in one of the many scenic sights while walking through the tough Waiau Pass.

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One of the toughest parts of the trek for the great spotted kiwi by Kumeu resident Des Lehndorf is over.

The 60-year-old grandfather is walking the length of the South Island to fundraise for the voluntary Friends of Flora group to reinstate kiwi in the northern sector of Kahurangi National Park.

Both Des and his wife Marilyn were concerned about the last section over the Waiau Pass which was really tough.

Des says the tramp was demanding in some ways and wonderfully tranquil and relaxing in others.

"I am so glad the Waiau Pass is behind me now. I always knew it was going to be the toughest portion of the trek."

But the hard yakka has been successful and Des has crossed the Lewis Pass and just finished the Arthur’s Pass accompanied by Eric van Essen of Waimauku.

The pair are now trekking the leg which takes them over the Cass Saddle and down to the Harper River before Des travels alone through to Lake Coleridge.

Des’ trek will ultimately cover 1250km. It will include five national parks and ends in April.

The aim of the group is to study seven pairs of the great spotted kiwi, which will be accessible to the public.

The trek has generated donations of $7860 so far.

For Des’ latest update, visit www.fof.org.nz/walk4kiwis.

- © Fairfax NZ News