KEY POINTS:
Big swells and unruly surf were not enough to deter German kayaker Freya Hoffmeister from becoming the first woman to paddle around the South Island.
Hoffmeister, 43, arrived at Okiwi Bay, Nelson, just after 3pm yesterday after a trip lasting 70 days. Hoffmeister said she was drawn to the challenge because it was one of the hardest in the world. "It's one of the most challenging islands to kayak around, and it is beautiful coastline too."
