Rotorua man uses Tinder to travel from top of country to bottom while raising awareness of men's health

SOCIAL MEDIA: Ash Gower-Rudman is using Tinder to travel the country to raise money for charity. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Ash Gower-Rudman is using social media dating app Tinder in a unusual way - to get from Cape Reinga to Bluff while raising awareness about men's health.

The Rotorua student, 20, said he was single but his charity trip, called The 12 Day Tinder Tiki Tour, was not a way to "hook up" with people around the country.

"I realise it's not your classic app to meet people in the way I'm hoping to meet people. I want to use social media in a different and positive way, while raising awareness and money for a fantastic organisation.

"I'm excited, it'll be a challenge and eye-opening."

Tinder is a free mobile app where users can "swipe right" if they like another user's profile. If two users like each other they are able to communicate.

Mr Gower-Rudman will rely on the kindness of people he "matches" with on Tinder for accommodation, food and travel from one destination to the next, with all money raised through sponsorship going to Men's Health Trust NZ.

"It is a worthwhile charity that promotes and educates men about their health."

He said he hoped Tinder users would be open to the idea.

"I hope they get behind it, get behind the way the trip is being done. I'll be updating on my Facebook page daily and using SnapChat."

Mr Gower-Rudman will visit 12 destinations around the country and spend a night in each.

A few of his mates had cracked jokes about his upcoming trip but most had been supportive and shared his Facebook post, he said.

"People have been really positive. I appreciate the support from my friends and family."

In trying to reach his goal of raising $3000 Mr Gower-Rudman will be approaching Rotorua businesses to sponsor him.

He said he had not quite figured out how he would get to Cape Reinga to start his adventure but was hoping a few of his mates would give him a lift up the island in time for the scheduled start date of February 11.

To sponsor him go to https://give.everydayhero.com/nz/12-day-tinder-tiki-tour-down-new-zealand-for-men-s-health.