Rare Access for a Remarkable Cause: Hikers Set to Take on Lake Hāwea’s ‘Double Breast’ Challenge
For one weekend only, one of Central Otago’s most spectacular high-country landscapes will open to the public, offering hikers a rare opportunity to summit two peaks while supporting life-saving breast cancer research.
On March 28, up to 600 participants will gather at Lake Hāwea Station to take part in the Hike for a Cure, an event that grants rare access to the station’s dramatic alpine terrain, including Breast Peak and Breast Hill. The event forms part of Breast Cancer Cure’s Dine & Hike for a Cure initiative, which raised more than $107,000 in 2025 to support research into the disease.
Now entering its second year, the challenge is growing both in scale and ambition. Last year, 300 hikers successfully reached the summit of Breast Peak. In 2026, organisers are doubling the challenge with the introduction of the “Double Breast” route, a demanding 26-kilometre return hike that includes approximately 1,500 metres of elevation gain and the opportunity to summit both peaks.
Breast Cancer Cure CEO Sonja de Mari says the event highlights the urgency of continued research funding.
“Each year around 3,600 New Zealanders are diagnosed with breast cancer, and two Kiwi women lose their lives to the disease every day. Funds raised through initiatives like Hike for a Cure go directly towards advancing scientific research aimed at improving treatments and ultimately finding a cure.”
Lake Hāwea Station owner Justine Ross says sharing access to the aptly named peaks for breast cancer research feels especially fitting, and while the hike may appear daunting at first glance she believes many will leave surprised by how achievable the journey becomes.
“Almost everyone who came last year reached the summit and were rewarded with stunning views of the Southern Alps on a stunning day. There’s great banter and support on the way to shorten the journey.”
“Perhaps this is a mountain metaphor for Breast Cancer Cure … making overwhelming journeys achievable, with a positive result.”
After the challenge, the day concludes with Dine for a Cure, an exclusive evening event at the station featuring a curated nine-course menu, guest speakers and conversations about the latest breakthroughs in breast cancer research.
Together, the ticketed events combine adventure, community and purpose, turning a spectacular landscape into a powerful platform for progress in the fight against breast cancer.
https://www.breastcancercure.org.nz/hike-for-a-cure-lake-hawea-station
