Day 122. The Walk to Invercargill. March 3, 2016.
32 km
Riverton km 2942 to Invercargill km 2974.
The first 23 kilometers of today’s walk was on the beach. In the middle there is a stream that flows into the ocean. This is best crossed at low tide. Plus beach walking at low tide is so much easier than at high tide. The tides were such that leaving at 10am was perfect. So I was forced to have a relaxed morning. Nice.
I was extremely lucky with the weather. Sun, some clouds and most importantly NO wind. I picked up a bunch of small shells. I could see Stewart Island which I am hoping to go to in a few days. I thought I could see Bluff hill but a local guy on the beach said that wasn’t it. I guess I will have to wait til tomorrow to see it.
More colorful kelp
Stewart Island
Closer to Invercargill there were people hunting for tuatuas (big clams). One guy said that 20 years ago they were easy to find. Now they are much more scarce.
Walking on the beach made it so easy to think back 4 months to my start at Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach. So much has gone so right to get me here. I’ve met so many wonderful people.
I walked into town with Alex and Helen. We went our separate ways because we are staying in different hostels. When I got to mine I found the Frenchies and Leo having a beer next door so of course I joined them. They finished 2 days ago.
Tomorrow I should finish the Te Araroa. It’s raining again but I’m hoping for another dry day tomorrow.
nancyhikes 
That kelp looks like chicken feet… very long legged chickens..
Yes it does.
Loved the pictures! I can’t believe you will be done tomorrow. Wish I could be there to cheer you across the finish line. Fast Nancy’s legend continues! Congratulations, my friend.
Thank you
I’ve followed your blog, the local weather, and your progress on the TA maps through our New England winter thanks to your nightly “In Reach” updates on the Spot maps. Technology is awesome, but you have done all the work! You are amazing….Thank you for sharing your adventure.
Dean
I’m glad it was something you wanted to read.
The end has come- how do you feel ? What will you be doing for the next month?
I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog and look forward to seeing your skinny self in person!
I feel satisfied and tired. I am resting for a couple of days as I figure out what to do next. I will be home soon….
Good job. Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome!
The clams look more like tuatuas
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuatua
than tuataras…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuatara
Ha, ha. YES they do. I fixed it. Thanks. And I did go to the museum and saw the tuataras.