Having survived a serious accident 17 years ago, Mr Lee decided Te Araroa was the perfect opportunity to give back to the Hawke's Bay rescue helicopter which saved his life, and he has set up a Givealittle page.
Mr Lee brought in the New Year by canoeing down the Whanganui River.
Chuffed with his efforts and a break from all the walking, he said it was the highlight of his trip so far. The advice he offered enthusiasts considering the trip was this: "Commit, don't hesitate, do it sooner, rather than later. Alternatively contemplate doing it in sections. We shouldn't take New Zealand for granted when it has soon much to offer all at our fingertips.
"I've only had three or four days of walking alone, the rest have been filled up with people I've met along the way and friends joining me for a day or two", says Mr Lee.
German couple Michael Wanger , 23, and Jo Rachel, 25, are one of the few Mr Lee has met on his walk so far.
They met in Taumarunui pre Christmas and caught up again with the couple for a night in Feilding last Tuesday.
Mr Wanger says they wanted to see New Zealand and Te Araoa seemed like the perfect opportunity.
The couple have completed all but two days without social media in order to make the most of the trip, they say.
However, Mr Wanger admitted the free WiFi at the Whanganui library was a good chance to make contact with friends and family.
Age is no excuse either, says Mr Lee, who encountered a 67-year-old Dutch man on the journey. "I have even heard of a 70-year-old Kiwi," he said.
Donations can be made at:https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/danswalk
Currently Mr Lee has raised nearly $7500 with a $10,000 goal by the end of the trip. He began his adventure on November 7 and aims to complete the trip by the beginning of April.
-More information can also be found through Mr Lee's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/walkforacause.hbrescuehelicopter/?pnref=story
