Man and horse begin trek to Cape Reinga

Bernie Mann set a dream in motion yesterday when he embarked on a journey on horseback from Bluff to Cape Reinga. The 73-year-old Hawera man mounted his faithful horse Dolly and began his quest.

"I just take it one day at a time really," he said.

"If I don't make it, so be it. I'm going to do my best. It's my last challenge in life."

A former stock agent, Mr Mann is also the owner of Big Mann, which placed second in the New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase last year.

Mr Mann will travel on beaches and back roads.