Swim The Night 2.5km - Not a race, its a Swim Experience
Plus — introducing a brand new SwimXperience: Swim the Night
This is something truly special.
Swimmers will take on a 2.5km course around the lake, experiencing the water in a completely different way — at night on the beautiful Lake Tiki Tapu (Te Pūrākau o Te Roto). Each participant will wear a personal safety tow float with a light inside, attached securely to their waist, creating a glowing trail of swimmers moving quietly across the lake.
Note, tow floats are mandatory for the night swim.
Key Event Information
Pricing
| Event | Age | Super Earlybird | Earlybird 1 | Earlybird 2 | Standard | Event Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 1 – May 31 | 1 Jun – 2 Aug | 3 Aug – 4 Oct | 5 Oct – Event Day | Event Day | ||
| Round the Lake 3.5km | 12 yrs + | $99 | $109 | $114 | $124 | $134 |
| RotoVegas 1000m | 10 yrs + | $65 | $75 | $80 | $85 | $90 |
| RotoVegas 500m | 10 yrs + | $55 | $65 | $70 | $75 | $80 |
| Swim The Night – 2.5km Night Swim | 16 yrs + | $89 | $99 | $109 | $119 | $150 |
| Banana Boat OceanKids 100m / 200m | 6–12 yrs | FREE | ||||
|
Te Arawa Lakes Trust Beneficiaries receive 50% off entry. Email consent@tearawa.iwi.nz for your code. |
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Event Schedule
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 7:00 AM | Round the Lake 3.5km registration (by the Rotorua Water Ski Club) |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 8:45 AM | Round the Lake 3.5km compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 9:00 AM | START – Round the Lake 3.5km |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 9:00 AM | RotoVegas 1000m, 500m and OceanKids registrations and swim pack pick-up |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 11:05 AM | RotoVegas 1000m compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 11:15 AM | START – RotoVegas 1000m |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 11:35 AM | RotoVegas 500m compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 11:45 AM | START – RotoVegas 500m |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 11:55 AM | OceanKids compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 12:00 PM | START – OceanKids event |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 12:15 PM | Cut-off for 3.5km, 1km and 500m |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 12:30 PM | Prizegiving |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 7:00 PM | Swim The Night 2.5km registration |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 7:30 PM | Swim The Night 2.5km check-in |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 7:45 PM | Swim The Night 2.5km compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 8:00 PM | START – Swim The Night 2.5km |
Biosecurity New Zealand
To prevent the spread of the freshwater clam, Biosecurity New Zealand will be implementing the ‘Check Clean Dry’ procedure for everyone entering Lake Tikitapu.
Following the procedure is a requirement of the event.
You must follow the steps when you move between lakes and rivers: CHECK, CLEAN, DRY PROCEDURE
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.
We will have extra safety on hand for the Swim the Night, with glow sticks, compulsory swim tows, IRB boats with Leds and much more.
Bag storage
Bag storage area
An area designated to store gear bags will be available for all participants while you swim (or run!). This will be situated at the main event site at Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake). You will need to bring your own small bag. Please remember, this is an ‘all care, no responsibility service’, please do not pack valuable items.
Parking
Car parking
Parking on the reserve areas at Lake Tikitapu can be interesting if there has been rain in the lead up to the event. We urge you to take care and please drive slowly when entering these car parks. Always follow the directions of the event crew, they are there to assist you!
Please do not park down the drive near the toilet block. These parks will be used for emergency vehicles and disability parking.
At times along the journey you’ll even have the chance to roll onto your back, float, and look up at the star-filled Rotorua sky, taking in the calm, the silence, and the magic of the lake at night before continuing your swim around the course.
Guided by lights along the route and supported by full lifeguard safety on the water, this event is designed to be both safe and unforgettable. As the lake reflects the night sky and swimmers move through the water in glowing lines of light, the experience becomes something truly unique.
It’s exhilarating, peaceful, and unlike anything most swimmers will have ever done before.
If you’re looking for something memorable, a little adventurous, and a story you’ll tell for years to come, Swim the Night is your chance to do exactly that.
Swim with glow sticks and neon lights at Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), Rotorua — as the water comes alive beneath you.
Float on your back, lights glowing around you, and take a moment to look up at the stars above. Surrounded by darkness, reflections, and silence, it’s a completely different kind of swim.
For many, it will be their first time swimming in the dark — and it’s an experience you won’t forget. Strictly Limited to 200 Swimmers
Swim the Night!
Swim the Night Course (Limited to 200 Swimmers)
Lake Tikitapu
Swim The Night - Swim Map
This is an easy 2km (or less) swim, taking around an hour at a leisurely pace. You can get out whenever you like — but the real magic is when we stop, float on our backs, and take it all in. Most people have never experienced this… lying back, drifting, and just relaxing in the water under the sky.
Strictly Limited Spaces of 200 max
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of adventure with Swim The Night and our daytime swims
Spend the weekend swimming, exploring and relaxing with an awesome crew of ocean swimmers while experiencing some of the most unique adventures around.
Take on the magic of Swim The Night under the stars, then back it up with stunning daytime swims and great local vibes throughout the weekend.
When you’re not in the water, check out the incredible local adventures including nighttime treetop walks, relaxing hot pools, amazing cafes, great food and drinks with your best swimming mates.
It’s more than just an event weekend — it’s a chance to escape, adventure and make memories with people who love the ocean as much as you do.
