Hill won his 25-29 years age group by 16 minutes, won the Asia-Pacific title and finished 15th overall in the Ironman 70.3 event.

Hill rated the win as one of the most important of his career and is now considering a move into the elite professional ranks ahead of his next Ironman 70.3 event in Busselton in May.

"I'm currently looking into turning pro and the intention is to be an elite in time for Busselton," he said.

Hill took up the sport of triathlon just three years ago and admitted he has fallen in love with the multi-facets of swimming, cycling and running.

A personal trainer based in Launceston, Hill said he enjoys combining his work and triathlons.

"I like being able to help other people," he said.

Competing over the distance of 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and 21.1km run, Hill wasn't the first swimmer out of the water but was relying on his strength on the bike and then the run leg.

"I was able to pick them up on the bike and then the run," he said.

The triathlon was held in the centre of Auckland with the swim leg in Viaduct Harbour, on the bike competitors crossed Auckland Bridge before returning to the waterfront and the run leg took them on a two-lap course around the centre of Auckland.

"It was the first time I've competed in Auckland and I found it a lovely city," Hill said.

Hill will have no time to rest as he has geared his program around three state series events over the space of three weeks starting at Seven Mile Beach on February 8, Coles Bay on February 14 and Devonport on February 21.

Hill said hs preparation for Auckland was helped by the support he receives from Cycle2, Launceston Toyota, All About Gardens and Net19.