Halfway through his 2000-kilometre, 80-day walk up New Zealand, Palmerston North Inner City Post and Lotto shop operator Ken Lusby has only spent 2 hours being rained on.

The 59-year-old, who will celebrate his 60th birthday before completing the Cure Kids fundraising walk, will be back in the city on Thursday. "It's been absolutely brilliant," he said from El Rancho in Waikanae last night.

"The support's been tremendous, unbelievable really, with Lions clubs showing up to help everywhere I go - helping with fundraising, giving us meals, and providing accommodation."

He is travelling with a support crew of two, John Neal and Tony Brown - one to drive, and one to keep the driver alert while Mr Lusby strides along at 7kmh to 8kmh.

He said he was fitter than ever and walking faster than planned, scoring a couple more rest days than was in the original schedule.

And his timing has been just about perfect.

"People find it hard to believe - I've had 36 fine days. I walked in the rain in the South Island for no more than 2 hours. When it rained, it rained at night, and the snow was a day behind me."

Mr Lusby is back in home territory now, able to spend a few nights at home in Feilding, where he runs the Take Note bookshop.

Today he is walking to Levin, tomorrow he reaches the Himatangi turn-off, and on Thursday morning he will be joined there by supporters for the morning walk to the city.

People have been invited to meet him at the Awapuni Motor Hotel at 11.30am for the stroll up Pioneer Highway to The Square, where there will be entertainment and activities to celebrate his progress.

The format will be repeated in Feilding on Friday.

Mr Lusby said fundraising was hard. About $22,000 had been raised so far, still a long way short of his target $100,000.

"It might be out of reach, but you never give up."

People can contribute to the cause at any KiwiBank, at fundraiseonline.co.nz/kenlusby, or by giving cash in person as he passes by.

- © Fairfax NZ News