From Riverton we walked along the long sandy beach all the way to the outskirts of Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city. The walking was quick and easy, although high tide was in the middle of the day, forcing us up into the sand dunes briefly.
Invercargill feels like a big city, after spending so much time walking through remote parts of the country. It has a gritty, industrial feel, being a port town with large dairy factories and a fertilizer plant.
From Invercargill we continued south along a bike path bordered by warehouses and a sewage treatment plant. Not exactly the most scenic walking. Arriving in Bluff, we were rewarded for the long walk. Bluff is a cute little coastal town. Visiting, you feel transported back in time to a simpler era.
Bluff is the southern tip of New Zealand’s South Island and the end of the Te Araroa. From the bays and inlets of Queen Charlotte to the mountains of the Richmond Range to the beech forests and tussock fields of the Longwood Forest, it’s been a great walk. What a fun and challenging way to experience the diversity of New Zealand’s landscapes and people.
Next Post: Te Araroa Summary
Eating Snow Around the World 
It looks like you and your partner are almost at the end of your hiking expedition. Nice photgraphs
Many thanks , Michael T.
Thanks Michael.
You’re looking a little red in that last pic, Justin! Nice to see the big smiles on both of your faces 😀
Ah, it’s true. So hard to avoid the intense New Zealand sun when you’re hiking all day.