Day 48:

Bit of a late start this morning.... I drove out to Amberly from Hanmer Springs, and was almost there, when I realised I still had the key for the house in Hanmer!! I turned around and went back to Hanmer to hand it back, before heading off for Amberly...Again!!
I was really fortunate to get the opportunity to walk with Andrew (Really sorry about the late start, Andrew!!). Andrew walked the length of NZ just over a year ago, as a fundraiser for arthritis. It took him 100 days, and he finished in Bluff on his 23rd birthday. Andrew walked with me for about 2hrs. 10 minutes into the walk we were finishing each others sentences!!! It was really neat to talk with Andrew and exchange stories etc. It can be a bit tough talking to friends and family about the walk, cause it seems that they don't really undertand what it takes etc (through no fault of their own), but a lot of what Andrew experienced, I have too - so it was really neat getting to meet him. He was even able to give me an insight into what I could expect from here on in, and we have arranged to catch up on my way north at the conclusion of the walk.
I was also really lucky to meet Lisa. Lisa is planning to walk the length of the South Island, starting at the end of Jan. It was my opportunity to give her advice on what she could expect along the way. It was a good way for me to (self) reflect on the trip also. Lisa walked with me for about 20km. We all (Lisa, Sue, Caro, and myself) stopped for lunch in Woodend. I continued to walk into Chch, and arrived at the cathedral at 530pm. I was stopped by some guys, who I recognised from Hamilton!!! (They preformed the haka for me as I left pack'n'save Hamilton). We spent a bit of time chatting, before they each gave a substansial donation. Thanks Duane, Tapua, and Carl - Much appreciated!!
I am staying at the Millennium hotel for the next 3 nights which is pretty flash! Am at a BBQ with the CHCH CF community. Going really well. I am pushed for time now, as I have a big day tomorrow - will update blog with more detail the.
Also really stoked to have Bluebridge Ferry on board as a sponsor - more tomorrow!!