A man who is paddling from Cape Palliser to East Cape in protest against deep sea oil exploration, has passed Gisborne.
Peter Ralph, 25, started the journey on his 17-foot stand-up paddleboard 25 days ago. He camped in Tolaga Bay last night with his dad, who has been following him along the coast.
Strong northerly wind during the first 10 days set him back, but he has travelled 25 to 40 kilometres each day.
"It is taking longer than I thought," Mr Ralph says.
"My shoulders and back are pretty sore, but it is amazing how your body gets used to it.