Jet skiers gathered at Pilot Bay today to embark on the first leg of a 600km journey to raise money for the Melanoma Foundation.

The jet skiers will travel six 100km legs along some of the country's most picturesque coastline from Mount Maunganui to the Bay of Islands.

Jet skiers departed Pilot Bay today on the first of six 100km legs to Russell.

The idea, which is modelled on similar events in Australia, is the brainchild of PWC world record holder and dedicated melanoma campaigner Jeremy Burfoot.

'On Monday we leave Tauranga and head to Whitianga, with stops at Slipper Island and Pauanui,” explains Jeremy.

'The next day, we head first to Great Mercury Island and then around Cape Colville to Coromandel Town.

Wednesday jetskiers will visit Waiheke Island and Auckland before stopping at Takapuna for ‘auction night'.

'Thursday sees us off to Kawau and Omaha, before enjoying a half day at some of Matakana's finest wineries.

'Friday's voyage is from Omaha to Marsden Cove for ‘seafood night' and our final leg is to Russell, via the famous Hole in the Rock off Cape Brett. The event finishes with ‘Last Night Madness', a big celebration for everyone involved, in Russell.”

Jeremy describes the event as a unique combination of 'fun and fundraising”.

'While it will certainly be a great adventure, there is a serious side, too.”

The aim is to raise $60,000 to $70,000 for the Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand.