The final section is here!!!
It all started with a 46km (yes that's right 46km) road walk from Queenstown to Glenorchy
(nice!) - our longest day yet. We got a water taxi from Glenorchy across Lake Wakatipu to the start of the Greenstone/Caples track (36km road walk around without water taxi, and not part of the trail); 
I think 46km the day before was enough. Greenstone track is like a highway and the most people we have seen on a track in a long time, very nice and through Beech Forest then onto open tussock. From here we picked up the Mavora Walkway and out to the Mavora Lakes where we met a very nice couple Rob and Debbie, who invited us into their lovely camperhome for a glass of wine - how civilised!! It was then a backcountry road walk out from the lake to the road end where we hitched to Te Anau to resupply food before continuing on into the Takatimu Forest.
The forest was lovely and cool for such a hot day and we had a lovely walk along the Waterloo Burn to the Aparima Huts we then had an easy couple of hours walk along the Aparima river before acessing a private station (permission obtained) out to Ohai. A quick 30km! backcountry road walk to Otautau to resupply again before heading through some forest backcountry roads to access the Longwood Forest, absolutely massive. The Longwood Forest track is a disused water race that has been re-opened from the early 1800's where the Chinese first dug it (by hand) for gold sleucing. 
There is old gold mining equipment tucked away in various parts of the forest as well as tunnells dug deep into the trees. This track runs for 20km and takes 8 hours to walk it is so windy. From there it was down to Colac Bay where we walked along the beach and above the cliffs to Mores Hill Reserve before dropping down into Riverton.From here it was 17km along Oreti Beach, a short road walk into Invercargill and only one day left to go. Our final day unfortunately was a 27km road walk but ended with a 7km walk around the Foveaux Walkway to Sirling Point the Southern Most tip of the South Island - Bluff
Animals seen: Pig, Aparima river flats and Fallow Deer, Mavora tracks
WE MADE IT - 4.5 months, 15 days off North Island, 9 days off South Island
Will give a run down of gear etc soon so keep on viewing.
Thanks to everyone who gave us invaluable information along the way; The Te Araroa Trust, DOC, all the rides we have got (around rivers or to resupply), the food and beds we have been given along the way and to YHA for giving Johno the time off!!
meanwhile a little poem for you all
From Cape Reinga to Bluff, it took just four and half months
Three thousand kilometres we walked; it was just long enough
North to South, New Zealand we went
We walked and walked and put up our tent
Through many towns that linked all the tracks
We bought more food and stuffed it in our packs
Over valleys and mountains, forest and farms
Sea and backcountry roads were never too far
Many rivers we crossed, some were too big
For these we went round; yes we got a lift
Safety first is the number one rule
Second of all, to get through it all
Sometimes remote, just us, deer, thar and goats
A map and a compass is needed the most
A GPS is good to go, just to back up what you hopefully know
People ask us "Are you still talking?"
We just laugh and keep on walking
Lifes real simple, you will see
All you have to do is walk from A to B
The trail is great, so diverse in its length
Just walk it, you will see what I meant
You can do it in sections, you don't have to do it all
The notes are easy to follow, you'll have a ball
Thanks to the Te Araroa Trust for the trails creation
If you feel inspired, just go the net and please don't forget to make a donation.
NOW......... WHATS NEXT??????? Pacific Crest Trail!!
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