A quest to Skike about

PATRICK HAMILTON/ The Nelson Mail

ON A ROLL: Scott Kvick, of Alexandra, has stopped off in Nelson during his "Skike-ing'' marathon trip along the entire length of New Zealand for CanTeen and the SPCA.

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If anyone deserves to put their feet up this Christmas, it's Scott Kvick.

The 20-year-old Otago geology student arrived in Nelson on Tuesday, having travelled the length of the North Island on his Skikes, a cross between skis and roller blades.

He started from Cape Reinga at the end of November and aims to be in Bluff on January 11 as he raises money for the SPCA and CanTeen.

Five months ago he had never heard of Skikes, but came across them as he searched for something different and durable to travel the country with.

Skikes cost about $800 and have to be imported from Europe, have two wheels for each foot and a braking system.

Mr Kvick has been averaging about 60km a day, but managed more than 140km earlier this week when travelling between Waiouru and Palmerston North.

On Tuesday he managed to get from Otaki to Blenheim, with a little help from the ferry, before being picked up by his aunt and uncle and brought to Nelson for a well-deserved four-day break.

Mr Kvick has no support crew, and is relying on the generosity of friends, family, and people he meets, to ensure he has a place to stay and meals to eat.

Travelling by himself was part of the challenge: "It's testing and you extend yourself. You have to fend for yourself and provide your own motivation."

His first night was spent sleeping on the floor of a Seventh-day Adventist church in the far north, and he said he is thankful for the support people have given him along the way.

Everything he is taking with him has to fit in his backpack, or be able to be attached to the outside of it.

He has had the odd tumble and gear malfunction, and his hands show the wear-and-tear of nearly a month gripping the poles, but he is upbeat about his progress.

"It's going surprisingly well. With good nutrition and eight hours sleep a night you seem to recover pretty well."

* Follow Scott's progress at www.skikingnz.co.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News