'He had a 2.5 metre shark chasing him' - kayaker reaches half-way point of record journey from Australia to NZ

May 26, 2018

Donaldson's previous attempt in 2014 ended after 84 days with Mt Taranaki in sight.

Trans-Tasman kayaker Scott Donaldson has reached the halfway point of his journey from Australia to New Zealand, positioned roughly 1000km west of Cape Reinga.

Setting off in April earlier this year, Donaldson, 48, is attempting to become the first solo kayaker to complete the trip.

Donaldson's wife Sarah revealed that the kayaker has had to ward off an aggressive shark, battling the conditions on his approach to New Zealand.

"He had a 2.5 metre shark chasing him the other day trying to bite the rudder!" she said.

"Scott would stop paddling and the shark backed off but then once he resumed paddling, the shark would chase him again. The rudder is intact thank goodness!"

Donaldson is expected to have to paddle another 1500km to reach his destination of New Plymouth, his previous attempt in 2014 ended after 84 days with Mt Taranaki in sight.

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