Australian adventurers Justin Jones (L) and James Castrission
© AFP/File Torsten BlackwoodNEW PLYMOUTH, New Zealand (AFP) - The tired but delighted James Castrission, 25, and Justin Jones, 24, stepped on to Ngamotu Beach on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island, completing the epic 3,300-kilometre (2,050 mile) journey.
They became the first people to kayak across the Tasman and completed the longest two-man kayaking voyage after setting out from Forster in New South Wales on November 13.
"It's phenomenal. We had an incredible time," Castrission told a crowd of about 2,000 well-wishers after first speaking to customs officials and then walking on stage for a mayoral welcome.
"This is bloody strange, but I am liking this feeling," Jones said as the pair enjoyed a cold beer.
Castrission and Jones had originally planned to arrive in Auckland before Christmas but their journey was extended as they battled strong winds and tides that saw them go around in circles for part of the trip.
There were times when they shut themselves inside the kayak's small cabin and put out a sea anchor because there was little point in paddling in the rough conditions.
The extra three weeks at sea had seen their food supplies dwindle and severe fatigue set in.
Their electronic Comar transponder gave out in early December and for the past month they have had only small navigation lights to warn ships of their presence.
"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," Jones said.
Castrission said he could not have completed the mission with anyone but Jones, and he also paid homage to fellow Australian adventurer, Andrew McAuley, who perished trying to kayak solo across the Tasman 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 a celebratory singing of Waltzing Matilda, Castrission and Jones were taken to hospital for an extensive medical check up after both had reported cuts and bruises that were not healing, because of exhaustion and salt water.
Last month, four Australians successfully rowed across the Tasman, surviving huge seas and encounters with whales and sharks to arrive in Sydney's Neutral Bay after 31 days at sea.
©AFP