Isaac Gieson becomes first Kiwi to row across the Atlantic solo; aims to raise $1m for mental health

A 26-year-old from Christchurch has become the first New Zealander to row the Atlantic solo - as well as the youngest person in the world to have achieved the feat - after reaching the West Indies overnight.

Isaac Giesen, who aimed to raise $1 million for mental health support through his website, took 71 days to complete the 4815km journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua.

Having lost 11 kilograms on the journey, he tucked into some chicken wings to try put some of the lost weight back on.

Last year, Mr Giesen rowed the Atlantic as part of a team - meaning he also became the first New Zealander to do the transatlantic row twice in a year.