Transtasman rower may land in five days

Trans-Tasman rower Shaun Quincey says he is on the homeward stretch and hopes to make land in New Zealand within the next five days.

"I've rowed over 3000km on this trip and I've got 390km to go so I'm pretty confident I'll be able to crack it," he told Radio New Zealand.

Since leaving Australia on January 20 Quincey has suffered two capsizes and battled strong easterly conditions, slowing his progress.

Last week Taupo rescue pilot John Funnell dropped 38 litres of drinking water to the rower, whose supplies were dangerously low.

Quincey said he was still feeling strong, but a little tired, and was looking forward to making landfall.

His arrival destination keeps changing as weather conditions alter his course.

While Taranaki was the original target, Wanganui and Raglan have also been possibilities, but a forecast strong southwesterly would now see Quincey aiming for the Hokianga Harbour, on Northland's west coast.

This would be fitting, as it was the departure point for his father Colin, who completed the first-ever Tasman crossing in 1977.

Quincey's row is raising funds and awareness for Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

- NZPA