Justin Van Wichen, who spent his first 36 years in Queenstown, enjoyed a homecoming this Christmas when his epic 2200km trip from home in Nelson to Bluff and back again brought him to Wakatipu.
The 45-year-old Air National pilot, with wife Jude in support, said he so far had raised about $2500 for the trust and Ranui House, which provides accommodation for relatives of patients having significant medical treatment in Christchurch.
More pledge sheets will be collected after they return to Nelson on January 5.
"The real reason I'm doing it is for my mate Dave Cochrane, who is suffering from Hodgkin's lymphoma and is now in remission," Mr van Wichen said.
"Originally I was going around the South Island for Dave but it developed into fundraising for Ranui House [on his recommendation].
"I wanted to do something for him and thought `what have I got around?"'Mr van Wichen swapped his kayak for another friend's road bicycle and began training in June.
He competed in the riding section of the Hawaiian Iron Man Challenge in October, then the 160km Source To Sea cycling event in early November and the 160km Round Taupo event in late November.
Mr van Wichen jumped on his bike last Friday, with Mrs van Wichen driving 20km ahead in the support vehicle.
He rode from Nelson to Murchison, Greymouth, Franz Josef, Haast and Wanaka before a well- earned Christmas day rest in familiar Queenstown.
Mr van Wichen said he grew up in the fourth house built in Fernhill and his brother Noel resides in Arrow Junction.
The cyclist encountered sunshine, torrential rain and headwinds but not so much as a puncture so far.
"We stay at camping grounds and just meet people," he said.
"They've been exceedingly generous. I don't ask for donations. We just say we're doing a fundraiser and normally people come back and give money."
Mrs van Wichen said it was a privilege to help her husband as he was in turn helping Mr Cochrane.
"Once we got the website going, Dave was overwhelmed by it. He's very humble, like Justin, and not someone who seeks attention."
The tour has also given the couple a fresh appreciation for their country, with bright early morning starts and wide open roads.
The Southern Alps, glowing in the pink and purple colours of daybreak, was among their favourite sights.
"How amazing to live in New Zealand," Mrs van Wichen said.
Boxing Day will see them hit the road for Kingston, Invercargill, Bluff, Ettrick, Tarris, Tekapo, Mt Somers, Rangiora, Hanmer Springs, St Arnaud and finally Nelson.
The van Wichens' progress is weblogged, the places where they are staying are displayed and the methods of making donations are detailed on their website n2end.co.nz.
