2 Jul 2018

First trans-Tasman kayaker Scott Donaldson nears land after two months

1:17 pm on 2 July 2018

Kayaker Scott Donaldson who is attempting to cross the Tasman should reach New Plymouth tonight after leaving Coffs Harbour in New South Wales two months ago.

Kayaker Scott Donaldson sets off from Coffs Harbour in Sydney.

Kayaker Scott Donaldson sets off from Coffs Harbour in Sydney. Photo: Rob Wright.

Scott Donaldson wants to be the first person to successfully kayak from Australia to New Zealand.

He is now on his second attempt, and his wife Sarah told Morning Report he was healthy and was last night 65km away from landfall at New Plymouth.

"This is nine years in the making and a lot of - you know, as you can imagine - emotional, financial investment into this," she said.

Ms Donaldson said her husband had this time faced some tough conditions including 5m to 6m swells, lightning strikes and sharks.

"But, you know, more importantly we need to get him home safely and he is just super close now.

"I just can't wait, can't wait to see the guy and give him a big hug."

Mr Donaldson attempted the journey once before, but had to abandon the attempt after nearly three months and call for rescue while just 80km from New Zealand's shore.

The kayak from his first attempt washed up on a New Plymouth beach more than a month after his rescue.

Mr Donaldson hopes to arrive at New Plymouth between 6pm and 7pm.