We're kayaking 1,000 km for mental health & the ocean
Travelling slowly and self-supported, we’ll paddle 1,000 kilometres from Cape Reinga to Tauranga, down the east coast of New Zealand. We’re allowing the wind, tides, and conditions to guide the journey - instead of a set schedule or breaking any records.
The Slow Paddle is a fundraising expedition supporting mental health in New Zealand and ocean conservation, using time on the water to raise awareness, start conversations, and generate meaningful support for two charities doing important work.
Join us on our journey ↓
here's how to
get involved
↓
Donate Directly
Get a tax-deductible receipt by donating directly to our two charities in the Givealittle page.
👉 $36 supports someone in distress
👉 $50 removes 25 litres worth of litter from NZ coastlines
👉 $100 sponsors a mental health group supervision session
Choose your donation amount.
Join the Community
An exclusive community for people who want to follow the kayaking expedition more closely.
Community members will receive:
👉 Daily updates from Isaac & Abigail
👉 Exclusive behind-the-scenes moments
👉 Access to weekly giveaways and a MASSIVE $1000 prize pack
A one-time payment of $65 with all proceeds going directly to the fundraiser.
Paddle With Us
Join us for a section of our paddle in the Hauraki Gulf, fully guided by our brand partners.
Details to come, expressions of interest open now.
MEET THE paddling pair
Kia ora,
we're Isaac & Abigail
We grew up in Nepal and India respectively and have called Aotearoa home for the past eight years. During that time, we’ve explored much of the country and shared stories from the outdoors through photography, video, and podcasting.
Connecting with nature has played an important role in our mental wellbeing, particularly during more challenging seasons of life.
Abigail is the host of Aotearoa Adventures, one of New Zealand’s leading outdoor and travel podcasts, with over 100,000 downloads. She has spoken openly about her own mental health journey and the role nature has played in her healing, including through national media.
Isaac is often behind the camera, capturing photo and video footage from the places we travel through.
Together, we’ll be documenting the Slow Paddle honestly - the calm days, the harder moments, and the lessons that come from moving slowly along the coast.
The Slow Paddle Kayaking Expedition
Route: Cape Reinga to Tauranga, along the east coast of the North Island
When: Early February to early April 2026
Distance: Approximately 1,000 kilometres by sea kayak
Style: Self-supported coastal kayaking
This is not an attempt to paddle as fast or as far as possible. We’ve deliberately allowed extra time so the journey can unfold naturally - resting when needed, stopping when conditions change, and staying connected to the places we move through.
The focus isn’t endurance, it’s presence. Slowing down, reconnecting and coming back to life's basics.
our charities
↓
Lifeline
Mental wellbeing is something we both care deeply about, not just in theory, but through lived experience.
There have been times in our lives when things felt overwhelming, and when having space, support, and someone to talk to really mattered. We know how important it is for people to be able to reach out - especially in moments when they might feel alone or unsure where to turn.
Lifeline provides free, 24/7 phone and text support to people across Aotearoa who are struggling with their mental health. Their service offers connection, care, and reassurance when it’s needed most.
Supporting Lifeline through the Slow Paddle is a way to help ensure that support is always there...for anyone who needs it, at any time.
Sustainable Coastlines
Spending time along the coast has made us more aware of just how much plastic and waste ends up in the ocean.
While paddling, walking, and camping along New Zealand’s shorelines, we’ve seen firsthand the impact this has on the moana - from remote beaches to well-loved stretches of coast.
Sustainable Coastlines works to reduce plastic pollution through education, practical action, and community-led initiatives. Their work is about prevention as much as clean-up, helping people understand how everyday choices affect the places we love.
Supporting Sustainable Coastlines is a way to give back to the environments that shape this journey, and to help protect our coastlines for the people and wildlife who depend on them.
let's get intimate...
Join the Community
This is the place where you’ll be closest to the expedition - and closest to us. It's a simple, private online space (think Patreon).
It’s not another loud social feed. It’s a quieter place to check in, follow along, and stay connected while we’re out on the water.
Make sure you don't miss a thing. We'll be sharing:
Live tracking so you can follow our progress along the coast
Daily updates from the water, shared by us (when we have signal)
Behind-the-scenes reflections (tears) you won’t see publicly - maybe even on a livestream...who knows!
A REAL look at the journey - the good days, the hard days, and the “will our marriage survive this expedition?” moments (we hope so...)
You will also get exclusive access to:
Small weekly giveaways so you have multiple chances to WIN product from our supporting brand partners - Back Country Cuisine, Cotopaxi, AllBirds, Further Faster and more...
ONE MASSIVE GIVEAWAY VALUED over $1000!!!!! We will be drawing one winner at the end of our paddle to say thank you for your support.
Your payment helps support cover our expedition costs (transport, accommodation, essential gear) and 100% of proceeds from the Slow Paddle Community go directly to our charities - Lifeline and Sustainable Coastlines.
As Featured in..
The Slow Paddle Kayaking Expedition
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Testimonials
Some kind words from amazing clients
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here's how to
take action
↓
Donate
Directly
Join the Community
Paddle
With Us
are you a brand that wants to make an impact? keep scrolling...
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Brand Partnerships
Help us make an impact
We’re working with a small number of aligned brands who share our values around mental wellbeing, sustainability, and thoughtful adventure.
Brand partnerships help cover the essential costs of the kayaking expedition - including gear, transport, food, and accommodation - allowing us to complete the journey safely and responsibly. Any sponsorship beyond these costs goes directly to the fundraiser.
Get in touch at [email protected] to learn more on how we can work together:
Expedition Partner - Exclusive Brand Sponsorship
Product Partners (In-Kind Support)
Pro-bono photography services
The Slow Paddle 2026
with Isaac & Abigail
