Wellington man, dogs walk length of NZ for animal welfare

A Wellington man and his two dogs is months away from completing a year-long walk to raise funds and awareness for animal welfare organisations. 

Stephen Brassett has been walking the length of the country visiting every animal shelter and SPCA between Invercargill and Awani. 

He began the long trek in January and says he's visited at least 70 animal welfare centres in total, with just over 10 to go. 

"It's about helping them gain visibility and getting their messages out," says Mr Brassett.

Joining him on The Longest Walk are his two rescue dogs - Jake, a six-year-old pugalier, and Piccolo, a 12-year-old Chihuahua-cross. 

So far, the animal rights advocate has travelled over 4500 kilometres with his two shelter dogs and a homemade micro-camper, which weighs 100 kilograms. 

Mr Brassett's walk-the-talk approach has seen him raise more than $4000 already, and he says the message he's sharing is key.  

The trio are making their way back down the country, with Wellington being their final destination. 

Track his progress or donate via Mr Brassett's website. 

Newshub.