Mr Harris (60) retired yesterday, bringing to an end 20 months of fortnightly commutes from Dunedin, where his wife lives.
He began his teaching career in Dunedin before shifting to Invercargill and later moving to Arrowtown, where he has been the principal for the past seven years.
''I've just turned the magic number 60 and I'd always set my sights on finishing up at this age, so I've stuck to that plan.
''I will definitely miss the school [but] I'll take a few deep breaths and take some time out and see what's next on the horizon.''
He had not ruled out continuing in the education sector, with education ''very deep in my heart'', Mr Harris said.
The past 40 years had seen many changes in education, not least of which were the ''high expectations'' placed on teachers.
''It's become such a complex job - teachers are just so knowledgeable and skilled nowadays compared with what I was when I started teaching.''
It had also seen many challenges, most recently the rapid growth of Arrowtown School.
In Mr Harris' time at the school six or seven extra classrooms have been added to cater for the growing roll, with a new classroom block being built at present.
The school was also in line for a rebuild after the Ministry of Education found it had weathertightness issues affecting seven of the nine blocks at the school to varying degrees.
The ministry was still working through the process of appointing a master planner to develop a strategic plan, which might prompt a rethink of the school's layout.
Mr Harris was farewelled at a ''relaxed'' assembly on Thursday, which was ''a very special moment'', he said.
He will be replaced by Ministry of Education Christchurch recovery project manager Chris Bryant, who will start at the school on October 13.
