Ace Indian swimmer Bula Choudhury will attempt to cross the windy and rough waters of the Cook Straits in New Zealand later this month.

"This is by far my toughest challenge. I have been trying for the last three years and at last the New Zealand authorities have granted me permission," said Bula, before leaving Kolkata for New Zealand.

She is scheduled to cross the 26-km distance, form Ohau Point in North Island to Perano Head in South Island, between March 25 and 29.

"The swift change of current, rough tides and the freezing temperature makes swimming across the strip so difficult," Bula said, adding she underwent special training for the swim and would also use the week ahead of the event to get acclimatised.

Recently she returned after conquering the Catalina Channel. She had also swam the English Channel and channels across Italy and around the French Bay.

Her upcoming swim is in quest of her dream of conquering the seven seas.

UNI