Mr Wilson set out from Stewart Island on November 14 on his replica 1882 penny-farthing "Pioneer Spirit" and expects to reach Cape Reinga over the next few days.
He has pedalled his way over about 2000km of road since departing, taking almost exactly 50 days of actual pedalling time. Other days have been taken up dealing with wet weather and repairs.
Mr Wilson said the North Island's topography had somewhat taken him aback by the regularity with which hills appeared in front of him, slowing progress considerably. He had to push his hefty bike up most hills, and in some cases walk it down the other side too.
He praised the generosity and friendship of fellow Kiwis he had met along the road.
"Without doubt, I simply would not have reached as far as I have without the food, accommodation, and bike repairs offered by so many at no charge," he said.
When he completes his journey, Mr Wilson will be the first person to cycle the length of New Zealand on a penny-farthing.
Mr Wilson calculated the trip could generate the equivalent of about $250,000 worth of publicity for Oamaru's Victorian Precinct.
There have been other epic New Zealand tours by penny-farthings. One was in 1884 from Auckland to Wellington by J. Fitton on a 52-inch penny-farthing.
Another was in 2007 when English wheelman Joff Summerfield rode from Invercargill to Auckland.
