New Zealanders have successfully launched a rocket into space from the Great Mercury Island.

Atea, named after the Maori word for space, reached a height of 150kms and a top speed of Mach 5 (over 5000km/h) according to the New Zealand Herald. This was also the first successful and private rocket launch in the southern hemisphere — even though the diminutive rocket was six metres tall and weighed in at 60 kgs.

But the launch did not go as smoothly as planned, with a seven hour delay due to a spare part being flown in, TVNZ reported.

Nitrous oxide was said to have frozen a fuel coupling, causing the postponement of launch. Mark Rocket, who changed his surname from Stevens, said that he started up his company three years ago in a bid to make space more accessible.

The rocket launch was also a significant step for the economy, with the makers hoping that more commercially-successful launches can take place in the future, according to National Business Review.

"This is the first step in a long journey," Rocket said.

Fighting the spam war Is your inbox filled with ads, no matter how many you delete? We bring you Spamming 101.

Climate: Who will be hit? Everyone won't be equally affected by climate change, with Africa hit hardest. Here's how.

Motorstorm: Arctic Edge Porting a PS3 game to the PS2 is no easy task, as Motorstorm: Arctic Edge shows.

Videos of the SA meteor! Watch videos of the meteor that sped across Gauteng at the weekend here!