New Zealand kayaker, Tim Taylor makes local headlines as he prepares for his departure. 

Tim Taylor sets off on his record attempting journey to circumnavigate New Zealand. New Zealand news paper Bay of Plenty Times talks about Tim's journey and his preparations.

Article from Bay of Plenty Times. 

There are just two days to go before adventurer Tim Taylor sets off on his bid to kayak alone around New Zealand.

Saturday is D-Day for Tim who is aiming to make history with the first complete solo circumnavigation of New Zealand by sea kayak.

Leaving on Saturday from Waimarino Adventure Park on the Wairoa River, Tim estimates his 5500km journey around the country's rugged coastline will take three to six months.

"I won't consider my trip finished until I set foot back on that ramp at Waimarino," he says.

No newcomer to kayaking, as a teenager Tim trained, raced and coached at Waimarino Adventure Park. He began in the sport as a 12-year-old with the Park's co-founder Barry Anderson, and soon progressed to top-level competition under the "tough but inspiring" guidance of Barry's son (and current co-owner) Blair Anderson.

"Blair used to push us so hard in those early-morning training sessions that at times he seemed only ever satisfied if he got one of us boys to spew," he says.

From these beginnings Tim has developed into a full-time athlete preparing for an odyssey that will be a New Zealand first.

The rest of the article can be read at www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz.