Swim Experience
The Whenuakura Journey - Swim Experience
Swim Experiences – The Whenuakura Journey.
(Donut Island)
Strictly limited numbers on these swim experiences.
Operated Sunday, 8:00am – 12:00am.
Separate from the main race.
This is a leisurely, guided swim experience — and a very special one at that. We’ve been granted exclusive access to take small groups into one of New Zealand’s most unique natural locations.
Join a small guided swim group for the chance to experience Donut Island (Whenuakura Island) off Whangamatā.
Before each group heads out, a local representative from iwi will share the cultural significance and history of the area, offering a deeper understanding of this special place.
From the beach, swimmers head out together across the bay before slipping through the narrow rock entrance that leads into the island’s hidden inner lagoon. Inside, the water becomes calm and quiet, surrounded by towering rock walls and open sky above.
All swimmers are required to bring and use a tow float for safety throughout the swim.
This isn’t about racing — it’s about the experience. Floating inside the natural crater, taking in the scenery, and sharing something truly special with a small group before heading back to shore together.
Swimming out to Whenuakura Island (Donut Island) is one of the most iconic and unforgettable ocean experiences you can have.
For this Donut Island Tour Swim Experience, swimmers set off from the beach in small, guided groups, moving alongside lifeguards at a relaxed and comfortable pace. This is not a race — it’s designed to be accessible for all levels, with the focus on the journey rather than speed.
As you reach the island, you’ll swim through the narrow natural entrance that opens into the hidden inner lagoon. Once inside, everything slows down. Take time to float, look up at the sky above, snap a few photos, and soak in the incredible feeling of being surrounded by towering rock walls in complete calm.
It’s a rare opportunity to swim inside one of New Zealand’s most special natural landmarks — sharing the experience with a small group before making the easy, guided swim back to shore. (Strictly Limited Numbers allowed)
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Key Event Information
Timetable
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, 14th March | 8.30AM – 12:00 PM | Whenuakura Island Swim Experience – small groups leaving throughout the morning, your group time to be confirmed |
Pricing
| Event | Age | Super Earlybird | Earlybird 1 | Earlybird 2 | Standard | Event Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Apr – 31 May | 1 Jun – 2 Aug | 3 Aug – 4 Oct | 5 Oct – Event Day | Event Day | ||
| Full 3.8km Islands (Main Points Race) | 12 yrs + | $110 | $120 | $125 | $135 | $145 |
| 2km Island Cruise | 10 yrs + | $85 | $95 | $100 | $110 | $115 |
| Beach Blast 500m | 10 yrs + | $65 | $75 | $80 | $90 | $95 |
| Donut Swim – Swim Experience | 12 yrs + | $99 | $109 | $114 | $124 | $134 |
| OceanKids 100m & 200m | 6–12 yrs | FREE | ||||
Event Day General Information
Event Location
The event headquarters are located at Island View Reserve, Whangamatā. This is the central hub for the event, including registration, briefings, start/finish, and post-swim activities.
Free with your swim entry
• Silicone swim cap (to be worn on event day)
• Branded finish line photo (digital sharing quality)
• Electronic timing device
• Sports drink, banana, and more to refuel post-event
• Trained lifeguards on water safety
• Advanced medical personnel on site
Cut-off Times
For safety and to ensure the event runs to schedule, all swims have cut-off times:
• 3.8km – 2 hours
• 2km – 1 hour 10 minutes
• 500m – 20 minutes
• OceanKids 100m – 5 minutes
• OceanKids 200m – 10 minutes
Age Limits
• 3.8km – 12 years and older
• 2km – 10 years and older
• 500m – 8 years and older
• OceanKids 100m & 200m – 7–12 years
Swim Caps & Start Groups
As part of your swim pack, you will receive a silicone swim cap. Each start group is assigned a different colour cap, based on the speed group selected during entry.
If you’ve already swum with us this season, please bring your cap to help reduce waste and support our sustainability efforts.
Start groups are set by our operations team based on pace and entry numbers. These may vary between events (unless you are a Multi Event Pass swimmer), and changes are avoided as they can affect results.
Speed Groups:
Speed 1 & 2 – Fastest swimmers
• Speed 1: 1:20 – 1:30 per 100m
• Speed 2: 1:30 – 1:40 per 100m
Mid 1 & 2 – Competitive with more space at the start
• Mid 1: 1:40 – 1:50 per 100m
• Mid 2: 1:50 – 2:00 per 100m
Comp 1 & 2 – Challenge yourself, swim with friends and family
• Comp 1: 2:00 – 2:10 per 100m
• Comp 2: 2:10+ per 100m
Prizegiving & Awards
For the 3.8km, awards will be presented to:
• Top 3 overall
• Top 3 in each age group
For the 2km Swim, awards will be presented to:
• Top 3 overall
• Top 3 in each age group
All 500m finishers will receive a finisher ribbon.
All OceanKids swimmers will receive a medal at the finish line.
A downloadable finisher certificate will be available for all participants.
Results
Live results will be available as soon as you cross the finish line.
If you believe there is an issue with your result, please see the registration team as soon as possible and before prizegiving.
Post-Event Nutrition
Once you finish, our crew will be there with hydration, a banana, and post-event refuel options.
BYO Drink Bottle
To reduce waste, we no longer provide disposable cups. Please bring your own drink bottle and refill at the hydration station on site.
Safety
All New Zealand Ocean Swim Series events are patrolled by trained lifeguards and first aid qualified personnel who are present to assist you at all times.
So that the events are safe and enjoyable for all swimmers, there are some rules for the event. Find out more here.
Parking
Car parking
There is plenty of car parking available around Whangamatā township and Island View Reserve, including roadside parking and nearby public spaces. These can fill up quickly on event morning, so we recommend arriving early and being prepared for a short walk to the event site.
