"I heard a pop, and I was alone and very far from civilization” - the American alpinist who overcame injury to conquer New Zealand's 100 toughest peaks

Mount Cook .

American climber Nathan Longhurst has spoken out after scaling New Zealand's toughest 100 peaks with a little help from his paraglider.

The 25-year-old set out, on his own, to complete New Zealand's 100 peaks challenge - a daunting tour of the country's 100 'greatest' mountains as determined by the NZ Alpine Club. The challenge has only been completed once before.