Trans-Tasman kayakers arrive in NZ

[Black Cobra]

Two Australian kayakers have completed their journey across the Tasman Sea.

James Castrission, 25, and Justin Jones, 24, reached shore at Ngamotu Beach, about 4km west of New Plymouth on NZ's West Coast, at 1220 local time (1020 AEDT).

The pair, who have spent the last two months paddling across the Tasman Sea, were given a heroes' welcome after completing their epic crossing today.

A crowd of about 3,000 gathered at New Plymouth to greet Castrission and Jones when they reached the shore.

During the past 62 days the pair travelled more than 3,300 kilometres and battled strong winds and tides that saw them go round in circles for part of the trip and arrive 20 days later than originally expected.

As they approached shore today a fleet of Maori wakas (canoes) sailed out to welcome them, as did dozens of local kayakers.

A New Zealand tug boat gave them a "spray welcome" by shooting water over their kayak, and a giant television screen was set up on the beach so those in the crowd could watch proceedings, entertained by a live band.

After greeting their families, they were expected to complete a customs check before being taken by ambulance to a local hospital for a check up.

There were fears Jones would be unable to stand because of the deterioration to his leg muscles, which have not touched dry land in two months.

The pair are thought to be the first to kayak across the Tasman, and have taken part in the longest two-man kayaking voyage ever.

After reaching the shore, the pair was overcome with happiness.

Despite concerns the pair would be unable to walk, they unsteadily stood up from the kayak and both jumped from the craft into the shallow water.

"NZ, thank you, thank you, you guys rock. This is so cool," Jones said.

Finally on land they were swamped by reporters, but managed to find their families.

"Give me a hug," Jones said to his father amid tears of happiness as champagne corks popped and the crowd of thousands cheered.

They were then held aloft and carried up the beach, where they addressed reporters.

Castrission thanked Jones and said he could not have done it with anybody else.

"Its phenomenal. We had an incredible time," Castrission said.

The pair were handed two beers, which they enjoyed in front of the crowd.

"This is bloody strange, but I am liking this feeling," Jones said of the reception.

Jones said it was tough being caught in currents that swept them in circles part-way through their journey.

"It was obviously frustrating being stuck in the cabin and going around in circles after two weeks in the Tasman, but we always knew we were going to get here. It was just a matter of time," he said.

Castrission paid homage to fellow Australian adventurer, Andrew McAuley, who perished trying to kayak across the Tasman by himself last year.

"Andrew was an amazing adventurer. We have only got a small, small idea of what Andrew went through out there.

"Some nights when we were out there, we had each other to hold through the difficult moments."

After being greeted by a formal Maori powhiri (welcome ceremony) and haka, the pair addressed the crowd before being ushered into an ambulance and taken to hospital for a check-up.

[TGLucario]

must of been very hard of them, congrats to them both

What an achievment !! 2 brave fella's, congratulations to them both.

[Arwen]

Wow how kool is that well done to both men