Sport New Zealand MEDIA RELEASE
5 February 2013
21 Peaks in 21 Days Sport New Zealand Hillary Expedition Departing Sunday.
The second of the 2013 Sport New Zealand Hillary Expeditions, called 21 Peaks in 21 Days, begins Sunday morning, 10
February.
Brothers Nathan and Nigel Watson aim to climb 21 peaks above 2000 metres in the Nelson Lakes National Park, all within
21 days. The expedition is expected to cover about 220 kilometres from start to finish and will see the brothers climb a
combined total of over 16,000 metres.
Nathan Watson says that while only a handful of mountains present technical climbs, the pair will still have to summit a
peak every day to make the tight timeframe. He says the remoteness and demanding nature of the terrain and weather will
also present challenges, but it’s a challenge they are taking on by pushing themselves.
“Adventure isn’t just about being the first to climb a remote mountain or ascend a never-before completed technical
route. An adventure is pushing your own personal boundaries, stepping outside your comfort zone and challenging yourself
to achieve something great,” says Nathan.
The Sport New Zealand Hillary Expeditions are funded by Sport New Zealand. Chief Executive Peter Miskimmin says this
expedition is another example of Kiwis making the most of what New Zealand has to offer.
“It’s a big challenge and one these boys will be hard-pushed to achieve, but their determination, experience and passion
for the outdoors gives me confidence that if anyone can do it, the Watson boys can,” says Miskimmin.
“I hope this expedition will inspire other Kiwis to get out there and take on their own expeditions. New Zealand’s great
outdoors are famous for having some of the most accessible and stunning landscapes in the world. With a little research
and preparation, most of us can get out there and make the most of it, which the Watsons are proving.”
The brothers will drive to Matakitaki valley on Saturday morning from Christchurch. On Sunday morning they will set out
and 21 days later, on Saturday 2 March, they plan to finish at the Mt Robert Car Park, St Arnaud. People can keep an eye on their real-time GPS SPOT Tracker, which will be regularly updated on their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/21peaks21days.
The 21 Peaks in 21 Days expedition is one of seven Sport New Zealand Hillary Expeditions in 2013. For profiles of the 21
Peaks team and more information on the other teams, go to www.hillaryexpeditions.org.nz