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.