Epic Auckland to Mount Maunganui marine voyage begins

Stand-up paddleboarder Brent Bourgeois and kayaker Nathan Pettigrew are powerhouses on the water but are bracing themselves for their biggest challenge yet, a 225km voyage from Auckland's North Shore.

Two Tauranga men have begun an epic marine journey to paddle from Auckland to Mount Maunganui this morning.

Standup paddleboarder Brent Bourgeois and kayaker Nathan Pettigrew left Takapuna beach at 7.30am to venture on the trip across the Hauraki Gulf, around Coromandel Peninsula and down to Mount Maunganui.

The men plan to take four days to complete the trip, which was Mr Bourgeois' brainchild after successful trips around Matakana Island and to Mayor Island.

Mr Bourgeois worked out the distance from Takapuna Beach to the Coromandel was about 60km and "do-able".

"I thought if I could do that, I could go to Opito Bay on the other side of the peninsula, that's almost 55km, then there's 55km to Whangamata and another 55km to Mount Maunganui."

Mr Pettigrew is joining Mr Bourgeois as support crew.

Mr Pettigrew said Mr Bourgeois' drive was incredible and seeing him use the ocean for health and fitness - mentally and physically - was an inspiration.

"I had to get behind it and offer support because it's something I can relate to. But this isn't about me, this is his story, his idea and his journey, and it's a privilege for me to be a part of it."