A 350km trek from Karamea to Franz Josef links a series of events in a new festival on the West Coast. A Day at the Beach festival runs from September 1 to 24. It celebrates the environment and encourages positive action to combat climate change.

A small, dedicated group of people will complete the entire walk, with many more expected to participate for sections of the journey. The trek will tie together adventure, education, entertainment, and action including beach-clean ups and tree plantings in West Coast communities along the way.

The distance represents the 350 parts of atmospheric carbon per million that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for humans.

Festival co-director Guy Ryan is in his final year of a Master of Science Communication at Otago University. He said the event got off the ground thanks to "massive amounts of ambition, enthusiasm and volunteer time from a group of passionate young coasters". "It's a unique mission in New Zealand - the spirit of adventure meets social innovation and education."

In 2006, co-director Louis Brown walked solo from Farewell Spit to Tauranga Bay, near Westport. Mr Brown was awarded the Adventure Philosophy Gore-Tex Good for Life Scholarship, which provided him with the clothing and camping equipment for the journey. The idea was thought of "after a crazy conversation at an event called ReGeneration in Taupo last summer," Mr Brown said. "We asked ourselves, what can we give back to the Coast?"

Participants in the event will plant at least 1000 native trees and remove at least 10 tonnes of waste from the coastline.

Mr Ryan said, "We have some major challenges on our hands - climate change is top of the list, and as young people many of the problems we're already experiencing will become acute in our lifetimes. I think it's important to lead by example and show that every one of us can get involved, have fun, and make a difference."

Mr Brown said that he hoped the event would result in positive change. "Hundreds of seedlings thriving for years to come, the beach being cleaner and people having positive experiences out-of-doors. A regenerated and regenerating coast as this brings immense happiness and motivation."

The organisers expect people at the events from between Otago and Wellington. "Given the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from everyone we talk to, I think it's fair to expect a crowd of at least 5000," Mr Ryan said.

The event has sponsorship from Development West Coast, Keep New Zealand Beautiful, and the local branches of Department of Conservation and Westpac. It is supported by West Coast schools, communities and organisations.

For more information visit www.adayatthebeach.org.nz