Kayaker Scott Donaldson has crossed the Tasman and reached New Plymouth after leaving Coffs Harbour in New South Wales two months ago.
It's the first solo crossing of the Tasman in a kayak.
Scott Donaldson after making landfall. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Hundreds of people braved chilly temperatures to witness the ex-pat New Zealander come ashore at Ngamotu Beach in New Plymouth at about 8.45pm.
An exhausted Mr Donaldson was met with loud cheers and applause before being helped from his kayak and embracing his wife, Sarah.
He encountered heavy seas and winds, and even sharks along the way.
Mr Donaldson, 47, set off from Coffs Harbour in New South Wales two months ago.
Scott Donaldson signs Custom papers surrounded by his family. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
In a tweet, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Mr Donaldson had "stunned us all" and described his accomplishment as "truly amazing".
There are some accomplishments that are difficult to fathom - like crossing the Tasman solo in a kayak. I’m pretty sure Scott Donaldson has stunned us all. Truly amazing.
— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) July 2, 2018
Mr Donaldson attempted the journey once before in 2014, 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.
Scott Donaldson sets off from Coffs Harbour in Sydney. Photo: Rob Wright.
