The reality is just beginning to sink in that Justine and i have just completed a circumnavigation of the South Island of New Zealand,a trip that we’ve both seperately dreamt of for quite a few years.For me there are mixed feelings about finishing. In some ways i’m relieved that i don’t have to be concerened about how big the surf will be that we land in at the end of each day or if the weather will change while we’re miles from a place to land. On the other hand there’s a big part of me that will miss waking up in amazing places and meeting such fantastic people.
When Justine and I first decided to do the trip together we both had the same goals. Both of us not only wanted to paddle all the way round the South Island, we also wanted to see the place properly and meet local people. So we decided we’d paddle hard when we could and have days off and look around when conditions were not good. Whenever we had days off we were blown away by the friendliness, hospitality and help from complete strangers all around the coast. I’ve found New Zealand a beautiful place and a very testing place to kayak but for me it’s all those amazing people that we met along the way that made it such a fantastic experience.
There were so many times we were taken in and helped by people from beginning to end and over the past 67 days i’ve learnt the true meaning of a supported trip. If ever a trip were supported it was this one.
We have a lot of thank you’s to send out to so many people but i personally have to thank Justine for being such a great trip partner and companion. 
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Justine will write something more tomorrow.
