Coast-runner-turn-harbour-crosser Alex Asher has swum across Manukau Harbour as part of a 1100km mission up the North Island's West Coast.
It's the second time he's undertaken monstrous journey and it's all for a good cause.
After seeing how other countries treat their beaches, Mr Asher wanted to make sure our shores were better looked after.
He decided to travel by from Cook Strait to Cape Reinga to raise awareness and money for the Sustainable Coastlines charity.
Six years ago he did the same trek in reverse, southbound along the East Coast.
This time around hasn't been without challenges. Mr Asher suffered a major blow just three days in when his knee gave out, and says he's only just starting to feel back in his prime after running 40km on Monday.
He's not just keeping up the pace on land - in water he's just as quick, in and out of the harbour within 90 minutes.
While he was nervous about the 4km crossing, Mr Asher is more wary of his upcoming dip in the Kaipara Harbour, which is almost twice as long.
"It's a pretty scary feat, it's kept me up most nights, but having done this, it gives me confidence that I can make it," he told Newshub.
For the meantime, he's relieved to have missed the sharks and dangerous currents the Manukau Harbour is known for.
All going to plan, Mr Asher is hoping to have reached the top of the country by next weekend but says if he doesn't have his feet up by Saturday, he won't be far off.
Newshub.
