Make yourself at home.
Friends, solo swimmers and different paces are welcome. Choose an experience that suits your swimming confidence.
LAKE TIKITAPU · SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2027
SWIMTHE NIGHT.
Slow down. Look up. Experience the lake in a whole new light, with good company and the night sky above.
8–10 PM · EVENING EXPERIENCE2 KM OR LESS · PLANNEDRELAXED PACETOW FLOAT REQUIRED
Night-swim atmosphere illustration. The experience and conditions will vary on the day.
TIME TO ENJOY SOMETHING DIFFERENT
A LITTLE ADVENTURE.
A LOT TO REMEMBER.
As evening settles over Lake Tikitapu, join other swimmers for an unhurried adventure on the water. The familiar lake feels different after dark, with illuminated tow floats and the safety crew guiding the way.
Enjoy the rhythm of the swim, the company around you and a chance to pause and look up when the guides give the go-ahead. Clear skies might bring stars; every evening has its own atmosphere.
Bring a friend or meet someone new. You don’t need a racing background to enjoy a memorable evening in the lake.
Take your time.
Follow the guides, stay with your group and enjoy your surroundings. The focus is the experience, with no race placings or series points.
Stay for the stories.
Make a weekend of it. Explore the area, catch up with friends and enjoy meeting people who love being in the water.
A LITTLE PLANNING. MORE ENJOYING.
KEY INFORMATION.
Everything you need to get ready for your swim. Final group allocations, the route and weather updates will be confirmed before the event.
Your day & schedule
Saturday 27 February 2027. The published evening programme is below. Follow your final pre-event email for confirmed check-in and start arrangements.
7:00 PM
Registration opens.
7:30 PM
Evening check-in and equipment checks.
7:45 PM
Compulsory night-swim safety briefing.
8:00 PM
Planned start. Enjoy the experience together; the final route, distance and return arrangements are confirmed at the briefing.
Plan for an 8–10 pm evening. The final swim cut-off will be confirmed separately.
Getting here, parking & maps
Lake Tikitapu, Rotorua
Follow signs and the crew to reserve parking near the Rotorua Water Ski Club. Allow time to walk to evening registration.
Keep the toilet-block driveway and emergency access clear. Bring a torch for the walk back to your car, and speak to the crew about accessible arrival arrangements.
Directions on your phone
Rotorua Water Ski Club car park, Lake Tikitapu
Open Google Maps or Apple Maps for directions from your location. Save the GPS pin for a compatible GPS app. Follow event signs for parking and registration.
Venue map for travel planning. Follow the final event instructions for the check-in point and water entry.
Evening swim route
The planned experience is 2 km or less. The final night route and visibility requirements will be issued before the event and explained at the briefing; the daytime race map does not define the night course.
What to bring
- Your own tow float, worn throughout the swim. Bring the lighting specified in your final instructions for the float and evening swim.
- Your booking confirmation, goggles and the required swim cap.
- Swimwear or a well-fitting wetsuit suitable for the conditions.
- A towel, warm dry layers and a refillable drink bottle.
- A torch for shore access and the walk back after dark.
Is this experience for me?
These experiences welcome swimmers with different goals and paces. You don’t need to be chasing a result: come for the scenery, the company and the enjoyment.
You do need to be comfortable swimming in open water for the planned route and following your group’s instructions. The evening swim also requires confidence in the water after dark. If you’re unsure about the fit, ask the team before booking.
Published minimum age: 16 years. Check the entry conditions for the final age and participation requirements.
ASK THE TEAM →Guides, conditions & looking after this place
Attend the compulsory briefing, stay with your allocated group and follow the guides and water-safety team. Tell the crew if you leave the water early.
Lake conditions and visibility can change. The crew will confirm the course, lighting and group arrangements before the swim. Stay on the marked route and follow any changes made on the evening.
If conditions require a change, the team will explain the revised plan. Check your pre-event email and listen to the on-site briefing.
Booking, prices & bringing friends
Your Ocean Swim entry form opens with Swim the Night selected. Review current prices, available places and booking conditions before checkout.
Everyone taking part needs the appropriate experience entry. A daytime race entry does not replace your evening experience booking or briefing.
VIEW EXPERIENCE BOOKING ↗
