Round-the-world walker tops New Zealand
24 Jan 2011
Canadian peace walker Jean Béliveau has completed his mammoth 64-country, 11-year walk around the world - arriving at the tip of New Zealand’s North Island accompanied by local supporters.
In an emotional end to the foreign sector of his 70,000km journey, and before heading home to walk the final 5,000km across Canada, the 55-year-old arrived at Cape Reinga pushing the three-wheeled trolley that has carried his meagre possessions across five continents.
Cape Reinga
Béliveau was accompanied by 15 supporters, a guide dog and a police escort as he walked the last few kilometres to the famous point where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet.
The Cape is one of Māoridom's most sacred places where it is believed the spirits of the dead leap into the water and proceed to their spiritual home in Hawaiki.
After reaching the point at noon yesterday (23.1.2011), Béliveau said he sensed the spirit of his father, who has died since he embarked upon his epic walk in August 2000.
Béliveau also planted a New Zealand native pohutukawa tree - commonly known as the New Zealand Christmas tree - and celebrated with his supporters at Tapotupotu Bay.
New Zealand support
Kiwi couple Adrian ‘AJ’ Cooper and his partner Dezma McGregor, from Waimate North in the Bay of Islands, first met Béliveau in Nepal three years ago and have supported him throughout the New Zealand segment of his journey.
"It's hard not be inspired by him. We knew New Zealand was going to be his last country, so we wanted it to be memorable for him, and make sure he got back to Canada in good shape," said McGregor.
The couple, who found sponsors and hosts, say New Zealanders have done themselves proud.
Béliveau had slept only four nights in his tent and Air New Zealand boss Rob Fyfe personally arranged free air tickets not only for flights within New Zealand but also for Béliveau to return home to Canada.
50 pairs of shoes
Wearing his 50th pair of walking shoes, the French Canadian said he was completing the final country of his journey with a mixture of joy, sadness and trepidation. Once back in Canada he would have to cross the Rocky Mountains in winter before arriving at his home.
"It's an indescribable moment. I feel my heart is going up and down. I feel like the walk is not my walk any more, it is the walk of humanity, of these people who came with me in hope of a better world."
In the 11 years since he set off, Béliveau has become a grandfather twice over and only seen his wife, Luce, once a year.
He started out promoting Unesco's decade for peace and non-violence for children, although he was still walking when the decade ended. In New Zealand he has been working with the children's charity Barnados.
Epic journey
Since his epic journey began, Béliveau has walked across the United States through South America, South Africa, Europe, Iran, India, China, South Korea, Japan and Australia.
The New Zealand sector of his walk began in Bluff at the southern end of the South Island on 11 October last year.
In the past 11 years, Béliveau has slept in cemeteries and jails, learnt new languages, including English, and met four Nobel Peace Prize winners, including Nelson Mandela.
He plans to be home on 16 October 2011, and says he wants to spend time with his family to make up for the time away. Public speaking and possibly a book are also on the agenda.
More information
Canadian peace walker’s New Zealand journey
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