An English golf caddy is undertaking an extraordinary philanthropic journey, carrying two full sets of clubs across New Zealand’s entire length. Dougie Haynes, 31, originally from Oxford, has embarked on a monumental 3,000-kilometer (1,900-mile)徒步 expedition along the Te Araroa Trail, which he commenced in October to support charitable causes.
Haynes recently conquered what he describes as the most challenging segment of his six-month odyssey—a grueling four-week stretch from Havelock near the South Island’s northern tip to Christchurch. This notorious section presented extreme physical demands, including traversing the rugged Richmond Range and summiting Mount Rintoul, which left him with severely sore knees.
The trek’s difficulty intensified with the Waiau Pass, renowned among seasoned hikers as the trail’s most demanding single-day section. “You do a very steep ascent up some scree and come down the other side. It’s basically pretty close to rock climbing,” Haynes recounted, noting the particular challenge of managing his 15kg (33lbs) golf bags during precarious descents.
Despite the physical hardships, Haynes emphasizes the breathtaking rewards: “I felt like I was in a Microsoft screensaver—there were waterfalls, mountains, snow, and rainforest.” The past month has provided what he calls “spectacular scenery and beauty” that offset the trail’s difficulties.
Currently recuperating in Christchurch after completing the toughest segment, Haynes is preparing for the final phase of his journey. He will soon tackle the trail’s highest section, passing beneath New Zealand’s tallest peak, Mount Cook, before continuing south toward Bluff.
The adventurer’s mother in Lower Heyford, Oxfordshire, maintains concerned vigilance about her son’s safety. Haynes manages her worries with humor: “I tell her oh if you don’t hear from me for 10 days then you can start worrying,” acknowledging the frequent signal blackouts in remote areas.
Haynes aims to raise NZ$50,000 (£22,000) for two charities: Kids Can, a New Zealand-based organization supporting disadvantaged children, and Mind, a UK mental health charity. His unique fundraiser combines his professional background as a caddy at two of New Zealand’s most prestigious golf courses with his passion for adventure and social responsibility.