The Ride - around New Zealand on Jetskis

In 2006 Jeremy Burfoot and Brad Burton went on a trip of a lifetime all in the name of charity. Jeremy and Brad (the Burglar Brothers) rode Seadoos right around the country to support cancer awareness.

This website gives a graphical account of the journey and enables you to order copies of the just published account - the book "The Ride Around New Zealand" written by Jeremy Burfoot.

Jet Ski around NZ - The Trip

Modern day adventurers Jeremy Burfoot and Brad Burton push the boundaries of themselves and technology for a good cause, the Cancer Society, as they travel 4,000 kms and 400,000 waves circumnavigating New Zealand by Seedoo Personal Watercraft, something never done before.

It's not often there’s the opportunity to combine a passion for Jetskiing, the challenge of adventure with a good cause such as raising funds for the Cancer Society. Jeremy Burfoot and Brad Burton have made it happen. Not only that, but they enrolled the support of principle sponsor Qantas Airways and supporting sponsors Kia, Sydenham Motor Group , Seadoo, Zephyr Technology and Here I Am to name a few to ensure the trip and fund raising was a success.

Leaving from Auckland’s Viaduct basin on Sunday 5th February they headed north to Russell, around Cape Reinga, down the west coast of both islands, around Stewart Island then back up the east coast until they arrived back in Auckland three weeks later on Monday 27th February. Along the way they passed some of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenic attractions and were challenged by some of the worlds most treacherous waters through Cook and Foveaux Straits.

To see the trip click here.

Why an association with the Cancer Society?

Jeremy at 46, a Qantas 747 Captain and father of three sons has had personal experience of melanoma and saw an opportunity to use jetski around NZ to promote a SunSmart message during the summer. The Cancer Society saw this as an opportunity to enhance the extensive SunSmart work already undertaken throughout the country. Jeremy and the Cancer Society are working together to reduce the incidence and deaths from this totally preventable disease.

"We believe this adventure can help raise the profile of the excellent work already done by the Cancer Society and SunSmart and in doing so help to save lives. We are really looking forward to promoting sun safety to all New Zealanders. New Zealand's clear blue skies, its moderate climate and outdoors lifestyle all contribute to the high rates of melanoma in this country. We want to show people how to enjoy the outdoors safely and at the same time protect themselves from the dangers of ultraviolet radiation."

Qantas Airways, the principle sponsor, was delighted to be involved and saw this as a way of supporting the Cancer Society in promoting the sunsmart message to New Zealanders. This expedition had never been attempted before and Qantas was delighted to support Captain Burfoot, a New Zealand born and resident Qantas employee in this history making feat. Qantas is a major carrier to/from and within New Zealand operating international services to New Zealand since 1961 and domestic services within New Zealand since April 2001. Qantas employs over 700 people in New Zealand including over 400 pilots and cabin crew, most of whom are New Zealand citizens.

While we hope this trip will help raise cancer prevention awareness, the Cancer Society also needs funds to support the other valuable services they provide. Become world famous in New Zealand as a supporter of the Cancer Society.

Recent developments - Jeremy is now planning his next major adventure - London to Sydney by Jetski - the Ultimate Ride see the plans here.