Bernard's life as a Kiwi began at 80

Kathryn King | 6th February 2010

For Bernard Coombe, life in New Zealand didn't begin at 40, or even 50 or 60, it began at 80, when he emigrated to Wanganui from England.

Now 92, he hasn't let age stand in the way of exploring his new home.

Two weeks ago, Mr Coombe became the oldest man to walk to the Whanganui National Park's Bridge to Nowhere from the Mangapurua Landing, taking an hour to complete the usually 40 minute trek.

And he did it in typical old England style - in a suit jacket, long-sleeved shirt and dress pants.

"It was just a job to be done. I was going to get there. It wasn't too difficult, but when I finished I felt it getting on the jetboat."

The walk was the latest in Mr Coombe's adventures around New Zealand, which have also taken him on a tour of the South Island.

"I know a lot of people now through Take it Easy tours. I've been on a few. It gets you out and about and you see the world, such as it is."

Mr Coombe and his wife Antje emigrated to New Zealand from High Wickham, in England, to be closer to one of their daughters in 1997.

"My other daughter is in Vienna, but we've been coming here since the 1970s to visit our grandchildren, so this seemed to be the obvious place. I like Wanganui.

Sadly, Mrs Coombe died in 2001, leaving Mr Coombe to explore by himself.

His only concession to getting older has been a moped and turning down an invitation to a wedding in Greece because he thought it would be too hot and too exhausting for him to attend.

But nothing will stop him heading to his next adventure, a visit to Te Papa Museum in Wellington, and continuing to love life in Wanganui.

"Wanganui is my favourite place. It's the most peaceful place," he said.