Kiwi Jono Ridler makes history by completing 90-day, 1,367km Swim4TheOcean

After 90 days, 1,367 kilometres and more than 468 hours in the ocean, Jono Ridler has completed his extraordinary Swim4TheOcean, freestyling into Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington at noon today.

His Swim4TheOcean, done in partnership with marine conservation organisation Live Ocean, carried a clear message to decision makers: it’s time to commit to ending bottom trawling.

Ridler’s swim ranks among the toughest endurance feats in the world, and it’s expected to be ratified as the longest unassisted staged swim ever. No wetsuit, just togs, swim cap and goggles.

Coming out of the water at Whairepo Lagoon on Wellington’s waterfront, the ultradistance swimmer and ocean champion was welcomed ashore by Te Āti Awa mana whenua and a huge crowd in a powerful moment marking the end of his three-month journey and the beginning of its next phase.

Asked about the day Ridler said, “So many different emotions – over the moon to have done what we set out to do.”

“As I was swimming, just in disbelief that it was actually happening. Seeing all of the boats out on the water, seeing everybody lining up along the boardwalk. And then that moment coming into Whairepo Lagoon, everybody on the bridge and all around – it was just crazy.

“But it shows how much people have come behind what we represent.”

Jono Ridler battled remote coastlines, dropping water temperatures, fatigue, weather systems and relentless ocean exposure. Photos / Live Ocean

From Whairepo Lagoon, Ridler walked to Parliament, where he was met by the Hon Tama Potaka, Minister of Conservation, in a symbolic moment marking the delivery of his message to decision-makers.

“My hope is that this creates a moment for people to come around for the ocean," Ridler said. "I hope that for everybody that was there, everybody watching from afar, and everybody who has supported us, that this is a moment that they remember for life and that it’s about a healthy ocean for a healthy future.”

Since departing from Waikuku Beach on 5 January, Ridler has battled remote coastlines, dropping water temperatures, fatigue, weather systems and relentless ocean exposure. He has swum the equivalent of more than 53 Cook Strait crossings or 41 English Channel crossings, supported by a small, highly experienced crew managing safety and logistics across some of New Zealand’s most exposed coastline.

The final stretch into Wellington included navigating the lower Wairarapa coast, rounding Cape Palliser and traversing the northern edge of Cook Strait, widely regarded as one of the most challenging bodies of water in the world, before entering Wellington Harbour.

Throughout the journey, the public has been captivated and motivated by the mission.

67,464 New Zealanders have signed a call for action urging the Government to end bottom trawling on all seamounts – at home and in the high seas by the end of 2027 – and to activate a quick transition away from bottom trawling entirely.

Live Ocean Co-founder Blair Tuke said the arrival in Wellington marked a pivotal moment.

“What Jono and the team have achieved is one of the greatest individual endurance feats of all time. He has brought the country together and reminded us of the extraordinary things New Zealanders can achieve when we put our minds to it. For 90 days, Jono has shown us what courage, commitment and leadership looks like. Now, it’s our turn as a nation to stand with him and support the kaupapa for a healthy ocean by joining the call to end bottom trawling.”

While the swim is complete, the campaign continues. Jono Ridler and Live Ocean will return to Parliament on 29 April to formally hand over the petition, meaning there is still time for New Zealanders and people around the world to add their name to the call for action.

Click here to sign the petition.