Rotorua man to travel from Cape Reinga to Bluff using Tinder dating app

Ash Gower-Rudman will be relying on the kindness of "matches" from dating app Tinder when he sets off from Cape Reinga on Saturday, hoping to make it to Bluff. Photo / Supplied

The days when those who had travelled from one end of New Zealand to the other formed an exclusive club have long gone.

But a 20-year-old student from Rotorua has come up with a novel twist for his marathon, which starts at Cape Reinga on Saturday week.

Ash Gower-Rudman is planning to use social media dating app Tinder to get him to Bluff, in what might well be record time while raising awareness about men's health.

And while he was single, his 12-Day Tinder Tiki Tour was not aimed at "hooking up".

"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," he said.

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

Ash will be relying 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 via sponsorship going to the Men's Health Trust NZ, a worthwhile charity that promoted and educated men about their health.

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," he said.

He planned to spend one night in each of 12 destinations, and while a few of his mates had cracked jokes about what he was doing, most had been supportive and shared his Facebook post.

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

He was approaching Rotorua businesses in an effort to reach his fundraising his goal of $3000, and he's hoping that a few of his mates will give him a lift to the start line at Cape Reinga.

- To sponsor Ash click here.