From Saturday, Ms McGregor will be offering special "Fairy Cycle Ferry" trips for cyclists wanting to cross Otago Harbour in either direction to enjoy riding on Dunedin’s shared pathways.
Passengers will be supplied with fairy wings on the discounted special trips, with proceeds to be donated to the Mental Health Foundation.
"It’s a way for us to have some fun, and to encourage people to get out on their bikes and enjoy the beauty of Otago Harbour," Ms McGregor said.
"After all, getting outdoors and enjoying some activity is good for our mental health."
The idea for the Fairy Cycle Ferry trips was inspired by some recent trips, where on-board fairy wings were shared around between passengers, she said.
"And everybody loved it, especially the children."
Founded in 2018, Port to Port Cruises & Wildlife Tours provides a range of services, including ferry rides between Port Chalmers and Portobello and vice versa, for people with bikes. Up to 15 bikes and people can be taken at one time.
"People love our trips — they find it amazing out on the water," she said.
Ms McGregor said in her experience, older children were capable of tackling the ride around the harbour on the cycleway, which could take about two-and-a-half hours.
"It is flat and mostly smoothly paves the whole way.
"So, why not get the family or a group of friends together and give it a go?"
This year, Mental Health Awareness Week, October 6-12, has been aligned with the nationwide wellbeing campaign "Top Up".
So, the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 is "Top Up Together", encouraging people to connect with others and bring the Five Ways to Wellbeing into their day-to-day lives.
A Mental Health Foundation spokesperson said social connection was crucial for wellbeing, bringing purpose and a sense of belonging to people’s lives, helping them feel valued, happier and more secure.
Evidence shows that activities involving social interaction matter — actions like volunteering, shared learning, physical activity, cultural practices and community events consistently have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.
For more information on the Port to Port "Fairy Cycle Ferry" trips, visit the website porttoport.co.nz
