Cycle Cambodia with Rawdon Christie and help Kiwi Kids

Image caption:  Apsara dancers


Variety – The Children’s Charity is calling for an eager crew to join the Cambodia Cycle Challenge in July. The 14-night cycle trip will see participants taking ‘the path less travelled’, exploring the charm and wonders of Cambodia on two wheels with a celebrity host.

Rawdon Christie, co-presenter of TV One’s Breakfast will be leading the challenge and is excited about the opportunity to explore a corner of the world he has never visited, and fundraise for Variety’s Bikes for Kids programme, which gives disadvantaged Kiwi kids their very own bike.

“I have always been amazed and impressed with the work that Variety puts into Kiwi kids who need a helping hand, so I jumped at the opportunity to play a small part. It was an honour to be asked.”

The trip is a partnership between Variety and leading active travel company World Expeditions. It includes nine days of moderate-level cycling and the chance to experience the beauty of the Cambodian landscape and key landmarks along the way.

Trip highlights include exploring one of the great wonders of the world – Angkor Wat, visiting the floating village of Chnok Tru and cruising down the Stung Sangké River to the Tonlé sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.

The aim of this special trip is to fundraise for Variety’s ‘Bikes for Kids’ programme which each year provides around 450 deserving or disadvantaged children with the freedom and independence of owning their very own bike. Some of these children have overcome adverse circumstances, in some situations the family is simply not in a position to purchase a bike, and in other cases the programme recognises and rewards children who are role models at their school or in their community.

The Charity Challenge price of $5090 per person includes return airfares with Singapore Airlines, twin-share accommodation, comfortable bikes, support crew and back-up vehicle, private transport when not cycling, an expert bilingual guide, meals and a $500 donation to Variety’s Bikes for Kids programme.

“We are thrilled to have Rawdon on board for the Cambodia Cycle Challenge” says Variety CEO Lorraine Taylor: “He will be a fantastic travel companion for the group taking part. Rawdon is a real family man with three children of his own, so he is very passionate about the cause. We’re sure having him on board will help us reach more kids than ever through Variety’s Bikes for Kids programme.”

Rawdon Christie is encouraging others to join him on the challenge and says that participants are guaranteed not to be left behind, given his own level of unfamiliarity on a bicycle. “This trip will have all the ingredients of an intrepid adventure, while benefitting a few youngsters who might just get the best gift they’ve ever had as a result,” says Rawdon.

Only 20 places are available on the Cambodia Cycle Challenge, so be quick to reserve your space. To find out more, download a booking form and itinerary at www.variety.org.nz or contact carly@variety.org.nz.



Breakfast co-host Rawdon Christie



Siem Reap, Cambodia


The Variety Cambodia Cycle Challenge

Trip dates: 9 – 25 July 2015
Duration: 14 nights
Group size: Maximum 20
Trip highlights:

• Explore one of the great wonders of the world – Angkor Wat
• Discover the history of Cambodia in the capital Phnom Penh
• Floating village of Chnok Tru.
• The charming province of Battambang
• Apsara dance show
• Cruise down the Stung Sangké River to Tonlé sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia
• NGO ‘La Maison de Coco’ organization
• Museum of Genocide and Killing Field history
• Cruise on the Mekong River
• Beautiful beaches of Rabbit Island
• Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctury, Ta Tai Waterfalls and Cardamom Mountains

Cost: $5090 (cost includes a $500 donation to Variety’s Bikes for Kids programme)
Cycling: Nine days moderate-level cycling covering around 400kms, usually 30 – 50kms per day.