Kiwi first to row across the Tasman

Two Australian kayakers who arrived in Taranaki to a heroes' welcome are following a New Zealander who 30 years ago rowed across the Tasman for the first time – in the opposite direction.

Colin Quincey spent 63 days, seven hours single-handedly crossing the Tasman Sea in a six-metre fibreglass dory. He is the only person to complete a solo trip using oars.

Solo Australian kayaker Andrew McAuley died last year trying to kayak across.

Quincey, unlike kayakers James Castrission and Justin Jones, who reached New Plymouth yesterday after a 62-day journey, rowed from New Zealand to Australia.

He left Hokianga Harbour in Northland and landed at Noosa in Queensland on April 10, 1977. He later penned a book about it called Tasman Trespasser, his boat's name.

Mr Quincey, who later served as a commander in the Royal New Zealand Navy, is now in his 60s and is overseas. However, close friend David Davies, of Levin, said he would have been one of the first to congratulate the pair.

Mr Jones did not want to detract from the Australians' achievements, but said his friend's solo feat ought to be acknowledged. "Particularly with the passing of Sir Edmund Hillary, it's appropriate that New Zealanders should remain aware that it [crossing the Tasman] was first done by a New Zealander."

Four Australians emulated his feat last month by rowing an 11-metre boat from New Zealand, reaching Sydney on December 30 after 31 days.

- © Fairfax NZ News