A long-distance swimming record's been broken by a New Zealander wanting to protect our ocean.

Open-water swimmer Jono Ridler has swum more 1300 kilometres, from the top of the North Island to the capital - with only his togs, goggles, and swim cap.

His trip was segmented, starting in January, and ending in Wellington only yesterday.

Ridler says yesterday was 'incredible', with lots of Wellingtonians coming out to help celebrate the cause.

"All of the excitement of the moment, the joy of finishing, the sadness of ending what has been an all-consuming mission - just a lot of different emotions." 

LISTEN ABOVE

• 'It's been interesting': Jono Ridler on a journey to swim North Island's east coast
• Auckland-based swimmer on planned Swim4thegulf awareness campaign