Ocean swim from Waiheke Island raises thousands for Auckland's rescue helicopters

More than $45,000 has been raised during the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust's annual ocean swim.

Last year 12 swimmers took to the Hauraki Gulf and swam the 20km from Waiheke Island to Auckland, but yesterday 42 people dived into the harbour.

The swimmers entered the water in Matiatia about 7.30am, in what were trying conditions with a head wind pushing against them.

The first team of swimmers reached Judges Bay, Parnell in just under 5.5 hours.

Event manager Nathan Turley said it was "a huge effort to be in the water for 7 hours and an even bigger effort to raise over $40k for the Trust".

The total raised so far is $45,000, with more funds still to be counted.

Swimmers finished the 20km event from Waiheke Island at Judges Bay, Parnell. Photo / Supplied

The helicopter's crew also had a bird's-eye view of the race as they flew over the swimmers en-route to a mission on Waiheke Island.

The crew went to the aid of a teenager who had fractured her leg while riding an "airwheel" unicycle.

The teen had lost her balance, fell backwards and landed awkwardly before the helicopter's crew flew her to Starship Hospital in a minor condition.

All contestants in the swim helped raise money to fund missions to Waiheke Island for the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters.

Last year missions to the island totalled 291, the second-most-visited area for the crews.