Our Founder’s Heroic Cook Strait Swim!

Hardwood Advisory founder Sami Robertson has completed a solo swim across Cook Strait, one of New Zealand’s most famous open-water crossings.

Sami completed the 28.8 kilometre swim between the North and South Islands of New Zealand on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, finishing in 9 hours and 46 minutes.

The crossing began near Wellington and ended on the South Island. Conditions on the day were challenging, with changeable weather and a grey, windy backdrop living up to Cook Strait’s reputation as a demanding stretch of water.

Cook Strait is known for its strong tides, unpredictable weather and cold water. Successful solo crossings require careful planning, the right weather window and an experienced support crew.

Sami was supported throughout the swim by Phil Rush and his team, including Cory Farbourn, Nick Maddren, Matty Warmington, McDonald Dring, Brett Richardson and Trinity Richardson.

This latest achievement adds to Sami’s impressive open-water swimming record, which includes the English Channel, the Strait of Gibraltar, Robben Island to Cape Town and the 2025 swim around Manhattan.

Only around 200 swimmers have successfully completed a solo swim across the Cook Strait, making this a significant endurance achievement.

Speaking after the swim, Sami’s support team described the day as a tough but successful crossing, with strong teamwork playing an important role throughout.

The achievement adds to Sami’s history of open-water endurance swimming and is a proud moment for everyone at Hardwood Advisory.

Congratulations to Sami and the full support crew on an outstanding achievement.

Click here to read the full article.