Six down with only Mt Everest to go

Te Arawa's Annie Doyle has conquered Mt Vinson in Antarctica - putting her one step closer to becoming the first Maori woman to complete the Seven Summits.

Ms Doyle reached the peak of Antarctica's tallest mountain at midday on Friday in -30C temperatures, conquering her sixth continent.

Her aim is to climb the largest mountains in all seven continents, a challenge known as Seven Summits.

She will complete the challenge when she reaches the peak of Mt Everest, a trip planned for next year.

Ms Doyle and her small group took advantage of perfect weather to reach the peak of Mt Vinson, with the wind at only 10km/h .

All team members were reported safely back at high camp, where they will plan the best time to continue their journey home.

Sydney-based Doyle is expected to return to Australia on January 24, after the 11-day climb.

While Mt Vinson, at 4897m high, is not considered by climbers to be as technically difficult as other mountains, the biggest risk was extreme weather.

As part of her Seven Summits challenge, she is also focusing on raising money for her non-profit organisation Sunnyfield, which supports people with intellectual disabilities.

Apart from climbing, she is a mother of two, a post-graduate diploma in law student at Sydney University and the current Sunnyfield chief financial officer.

As a child, she spent two years living with her aunt in Rotoiti before moving to the Netherlands.

People interested can track her trip home from Mt Vinson and donate to Sunnyfield at www.everydayhero.com.au/ontopoftheworld.