Hotel boss on strait course for cause

Eagle's Nest general manager Callum Farnell is looking forward to the adventure of riding a jet ski across Cook Strait.

A Far North hotelier is set to tackle Cook Strait on a jet ski to raise money for the Melanoma Foundation.

Eagle's Nest general manager Callum Farnell starts the six-day, 600km trip from Whanganui Inlet, on the South Island's west coast, to Wellington Harbour this week.

Riding under the Team Spray Tech/Team Farnell banner with teammate Peter Whale, he hopes to raise $15,000 for the cancer charity. It is his second time in the Melanoma Foundation Ski-NZ challenge.

"It was a real blast last time and I'm sure it will be this time too," Mr Farnell said. "The best part is combining the elements of racing and adventure, all for such a fantastic cause. Melanoma is a terrible and very aggressive form of cancer that, unfortunately, has a high rate of incidence in New Zealand."

The pair start their trip on March 9. From the Whanganui Inlet, Ski-NZ participants will make their way past Farewell Spit, Takaka, Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson, French Pass, D'Urville Island, Picton and across the Cook Strait to Wellington Harbour on March 15.

To sponsor Mr Farnell and Mr Whale click here.