Ex-Olympian finishes 20,000km cycle trip

After an epic cycling journey of more than 20,000km across the globe, former Olympian Rebecca Wardell arrived at her parents' Lake Hawea home on Friday to much applause.

Wardell set off from Lake Geneva, Switzerland, about a year ago on an adventure that traversed Europe and Central and Southeast Asia, before arriving in New Zealand and cycling the length of the country.

About 30 people joined her on her final stage from Tarras to Lake Hawea, where they arrived about 1.30pm on Friday.

The journey also raised thousands of dollars for the Forward Foundation, a New Zealand charity that aims to empower young girls to reach their potential through sport.