Brutal winter storms in the Tasman Sea made the leg from New Caledonia the most challenging.

CNN: Plastic bottle boat reaches Australia after stormy seas

It is no wonder that thousands of New Zealanders are now living across the Tasman Sea.

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On Dangar Island, located near the mouth of the river where the Hawkesbury meets the Tasman Sea, there are no cars.

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Across the Tasman Sea, and not about to be outdone by the staunchest of rivals, Australia too managed a stronger-than-expected employment print last month.

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"I've always been apprehensive of the Tasman Sea and this was my own worst nightmare come to fruition, " said Plastiki's expedition leader, David de Rothschild.

CNN: Plastic bottle boat reaches Australia after stormy seas

In the clubhouse, in a room overlooking surf rolling in from the Tasman Sea, walls are adorned with black-and-white pictures celebrating beach marching in its heyday.

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Leading up to the jump, I'd had to wait for three frustrating days for the cloud cover coming from the Tasman Sea to clear clouds not only spoil the view, but prevent jumpers from spotting their landing zones.

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"It's a very special feeling anytime you make a hundred but it's been a tough couple of weeks and the support I've had from my family, friends, team-mates... and Lara as well has been tremendous, " said Clarke, who had dominated headlines on both sides of the Tasman Sea before the first Test.

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Through the woods there are glimpses of Tasman Bay, where thick vegetation frames the emerald water and the sea appears as an extension of the land.

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