Leisa McNaughton on the road for recovery

MENTAL HEALTH DRIVE: Leisa McNaughton and her canine cycling partner Indy set off from Cape Reinga to cycle the length of the country to raise mental health awareness and funds. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

After two years "on the couch" after a mental health issue, Canterbury-based multisport athlete Leisa McNaughton is cycling the length of the country with her best friend, Indy the dog, to raise money for charity and awareness of mental health.

McNaughton and Indy set off from Cape Reinga last Thursday and yesterday arrived in Whangarei ahead of a trip to Dargaville today to continue her journey. This week is Mental Health Awareness Week.

McNaughton was a high achiever - she had a great job, good friends and a love of adventure sports. She had hiked in Nepal, mountain-biked in Banff, Canada, and Colorado US, and adventure raced in New Zealand. Until it all caught up with her.

"My world came to a dizzying stop," she said. "My mental health took a blow and suddenly I couldn't get off the couch."

McNaughton credits her friends, an amazing team of health professionals and her best friend, a part border collie/Bernese mountain dog named Indy, with helping pull her through the worst of it. It's been a year of healing, but now she's off on her next big adventure.

"It's been amazing this first week through Northland. It's so beautiful and I've had such wonderful, generous hosts, with great people along the way so far," the 47-year-old said.

She was travelling an average of 9km/h to 20km/h aiming to cover 30km and 50km a day - and the idea was to get people to ride alongside her.

Whangarei man Shane Ace had cycled with her from the Cape and Brazilian visitor Leonardo Noronha hoped to travel the whole way with her and Indy.

"My aim is to get across the message that with a good support system and professional help you will come right and learn how to manage yourself through whatever (mental health issue) hits you," McNaughton said.

She said travelling with Indy helped as he was great with people, particularly children, and was an instant hit wherever he went.

McNaughton is raising money for charities in 13 different parts of the country and, in Northland, it's for Sport Northland. Today, she will be at Dargaville Veterinary Centre from noon - lunch for her and a veterinary check up for Indy.

-If you would like to contribute visit https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/assistleisaindy4nzcyclejourney