Great New Zealand Tractor Trek for Hospice stops by in Rotorua

The Great New Zealand Fundraising Tractor Trek organiser Phil Aish and Rotorua Community Hospice chief executive Sharron Black with the trekking vehicles. Photo/Shauni James

A convoy of vintage tractors and jeeps had heads turning at the Rotorua Lakefront as they drove through, raising money for Hospice.

The Great New Zealand Fundraising Tractor Trek stopped over in Rotorua on Wednesday night, spending the night in Ngongotaha.

The trek involves a 2000km journey from Bluff to Cape Reinga over 26 days -February 12 to March 9 - raising funds and awareness for New Zealand Hospices.

Organiser Phil Aish says this is the second tractor trek the group has done, with the first one held two years ago.

There are eight vehicles involved in this year's trek - five tractors, a Humvee, a Land Rover and 1942 Jeep.

He says those doing the trek are having a good time and raising awareness for Hospice.

There is a Givealittle page which people can donate to.

The range of vintage tractors and jeeps at the Rotorua Lakefront. Photo/Shauni James

Phil says the tractor trek originated from his own encounter with Hospice after his wife Janice passed away.

"I believe Hospice enriches our society and country. They help us in our most vulnerable point of life."

He says it was this encounter that motivated him to make a difference.

The first trek was hugely successful, raising more than $100,000 for the cause.

Phil says New Zealand is the most breathtaking and unspoilt natural country, so the group has been enjoying the scenery.

The group has also been visiting local Hospice branches along their route.

Phil says they call in at schools along the way and the children love the Thomas the Tank Engine on the front of his tractor.

Rotorua Community Hospice chief executive Sharron Black says it is absolutely amazing what the convoy has done.

"This is the first time they have come through Rotorua, so we were all excited."

She says the support the trek gets from people is amazing.

To make a donation go to www.givealittle.co.nz and search Tractor Trek.