Nathan Longhurst has completed his three-month adventure to connect all the summits of the New Zealand Alpine Club’s 100 Greatest Peaks list. Finishing on February 27, 2025, with a final hike-and-fly to the shores of Mueller Lake, Longhurst’s incredible quest began on November 17, 2024, and took him through various terrains. Over this period, he successfully ran, rock climbed, ice climbed, bushwhacked, kayaked, cycled, and paraglided his way to complete the ambitious list.
The finish line was celebrated at Mueller Lake, situated near Mount Cook Village. It was here, after scaling the peaks Sefton and Footstool, where Longhurst was greeted by emotional supporters, friends, and family. Expressing his overwhelming joy, he posted on Instagram, "It’s a beautiful chapter to a life changing adventure." He emphasized the importance of setting big goals, dedicative effort, and the transformative power of facing adversity by saying, "I believe in the joy and beauty of creating big goals, dedicting your entire being to them, and letting the adversity transform you. Go do more of what you love!"
During his epic venture, Longhurst encountered various unexpected challenges, including losing his sunglasses at one point. This setback forced him to cover his eyes with duct tape to prevent snow blindness, showcasing the determination and improvisation needed during extreme conditions.
The New Zealand Alpine Club originally conceived the list of 100 peaks way back in 1991. Designed as a climbing challenge for adventurous souls, these peaks range from relatively easy climbs to much more difficult and steep ones, with some located deep within remote areas of New Zealand. The quest to conquer these peaks is not just about the physical challenge; it also embodies the spirit of exploration and connection to the land.
Nathan Longhurst is aware of the history behind the challenge; Don French remains the only recorded individual to have officially finished the list before him. It should be noted, though, due to the mountaineering rules of the challenge—which do not permit top-landing—Longhurst’s remarkable endeavor cannot be officially recognized by the New Zealand Alpine Club.
Reflecting on his significant achievement, Longhurst also remarked on the inspiring aspect of achieving such lofty goals, highlighting how it's not merely the destination but the entire experience along the way. Each peak captured not just breathtaking views but also precious moments with fellow climbers, the natural beauty of the New Zealand landscapes, and the lessons learned through perseverance and grit.
Longhurst’s adventure serves as not just a personal milestone but also as motivation for climbers and adventure seekers alike. Whether aspiring to large challenges or small ones, his words resonate with those dare to chase their passions. Beautifully illustrating the thrill of adventures, he encourages others to pursue their dreams, adamant about the transformative nature of these experiences. His concluding remarks on social media offer encouragement to onlookers: "Go do more of what you love!"
Nathan Longhurst's completion of the New Zealand Alpine Club's 100 Greatest Peaks list is not only about the physical feat; it’s about setting ambitious goals and going through all types of adversity to accomplish them. It’s these journeys, filled with highs and lows, fears and joys, and the connections made along the way, which make the experience so rich and fulfilling.