Tauranga man Dave White started off with a goal of 38 climbs up Mauao, but is today embarking on his 200th – all in just 50 days.

His achievement comes in time for the final day of the Mount Everest Challenge, a yearly event in which participants climb Mauao 38 times in 50 days for charity, equating to one climb up Mount Everest.

He may be a bit tired and sore, but his effort equates to over five climbs up the world's biggest mountain.

Dave credits his accomplishment to both the good cause, and the friendly "competitive spirit" present throughout the challenge.

'I completed the first 38 climbs and heard people saying they were going to double it, so I thought I'd keep going.

'Then I heard one guy say he was going to triple it, and because there was so much time left, I thought I'd just go as much as I can within the 50 days.”

Rather than do the first 38 climbs and call it a day, Dave decided the added benefit of promoting local charity Live For More through the Everest Challenge was the way to go.

Live For More operations manager Megan Warn says the charity is about getting people reconnected to society through surfing.

'Surfing is like a carrot. We use it as a tool to build a relationship, and from that we are able to build people up and help them get jobs, a car license and away from drugs, alcohol and crime.”

Dave with a crowd of supporters at Mount Maunganui today. Photo: Taylor Rice/SunLive.

When asked if anyone has come close to his 200, Dave says Mediaworks sales manager Dan Breed put in an amazing effort and has completed a total of 114 climbs.

'He's the only other individual I knew doing a really high number. I'm not sure there's too many of us crazy buggers out there,” says Dave.

Fuel is vital to any physical achievement, but Dave says he would walk up Mauao with an 'empty stomach” and would often not bring water.

'I would get up without eating breakfast and just go until the energy levels drop off.”

Dave's biggest tip to any aspiring mount walkers is to bring something to 'distract” the mind.

'It's helpful to bring a companion or something to listen to. That's what helped me and made things a lot easier.”

Dave also wants to make it clear because he has done 200 climbs, it doesn't take away the achievements of all of the other Mount Everest Challenge participants.

'So many people have done amazing things during the challenge. They're efforts are hard work and deserve to be celebrated.”

Megan says the Live for More team has also been 'blown away” by the community response to this year's Everest Challenge.

'It's amazing to see so much of our community come together for a good cause, getting fit and active in nature,” says Megan.