Canadian world walker Jean Beliveau received a great welcome of car horn toots as he strolled into a sunny Taupo.
Mr Beliveau has been walking for 10 years across six continents and is now doing the last leg through New Zealand before heading home.
Mr Beliveau left Montreal in Canada
at 9am on August 18, 2000, on a mission to walk around the world to promote "peace and non-violence for the profit of the children of the world".
He has travelled the whole way on his own with a three-wheeled stroller for carrying food, clothing, a first aid kit, a small tent and a sleeping bag.
He is doing the journey in accordance with the United Nations proclamation, International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World, 2001-2010.
New Zealand is the 63rd country he has entered. After starting in Bluff he is now walking to Cape Reinga.
Mr Beliveau told The Daily Post he had really enjoyed his time in New Zealand saying the people were very hospitable and that he received quite a welcome coming into Taupo.
"Oh the people here are fantastic. The drivers saw me walking in and they would all go beep beep beep with their horns, so that was really good.
"Also I have been given good hospitality all the way. Taupo is very nice. You have good weather, a beautiful lake and a nice mountain behind it.
Mr Beliveau, who has gone through 49 pairs of shoes so far, said it had been a big challenge that he couldn't have done without the support of his wife Luce and two children Thomas-Eric and Elisa-Jane.
He said one of the highlights of his journey was meeting former South African president Nelson Mandela.
Once Mr Beliveau makes it to Cape Reinga, he will head to Canada where he'll do a little more walking before reuniting with his family in Montreal.
