The Big Tahuna in Nelson – 22nd November 2025
Dive Into the Big Tahuna Adventure!
Experience the Thrill of Spectacular Swims in the Picturesque Seaside City of Nelson
Embrace the Kiwi Summer Swimming Getaway
The Big Tahuna on the beautiful Tāhunanui Beach is back and it’s an event you won’t want to miss! Immerse yourself in an incredible lineup of swims, from the massive 3.2km Big Tahuna to the Banana Boat OceanKids swims. This is the essential ‘Kiwi Summer Swimming Trip Away’ that will surround you with amazing people and the breathtaking beauty of the Nelson Tasman Region.
Discover the Centre of New Zealand
Did you know that Nelson can boast it is the Centre of New Zealand? It’s just a few kilometers away, so why not make a weekend of it in this stunning bay area and experience all that the region has to offer, from boutiques and galleries to much, much more.
Dive into the Adventure
Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just want to give it a go, the Big Tahuna has a swim for everyone. Challenge yourself with the 3.2km Big Tahuna, the 1.3km Small Tahuna, or the 500m Tiny Tahuna. And for our youngest swimmers, the Banana Boat OceanKids 100m and 200m events are the perfect way to join in the fun.
Swims on offer:
- 3km Big Tahuna
- 1.3km Small Tahuna
- 500m Tiny Tahuna
- Banana Boat OceanKids 100m and 200m (6-12 years)
Not far now, get your entry in
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COURSE MAPS
The Big Tahuna 3km
The Small Tahuna 1.3km
The Tiny Tahuna 500m
Banana Boat Ocean Kids 100m & 200m
New open water swimwear to help keep you that much warmer.
Escape the Cold
This bold range is designed with performance in mind and features Zoggs latest fabric innovation - Thermal Silver Lining. This unique patent pending technology helps retain body heat for 60% longer than normal swimwear! The compressive outer fabric is also new - introducing Ecofeel made with recycled plastic waste.
The Zoggs Florish Crossback thermal one piece offers support and freedom of movement with its high front and cross back design. The striking Florish print will have you looking and feeling amazing featuring bright pink, blue, yellow and green!
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 21st November 2025 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Registration series pack pick up - Tāhunanui Beach |
| Saturday 22nd November 2025 | 7:30 AM | The Big Tahuna 3km event registrations open & swim pack pick up at the start line |
| Saturday 22nd November 2025 | 9:45 AM | The Big Tahuna 3km compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday 22nd November 2025 | 10:00 AM | START - The Big Tahuna 3km event |
| Saturday 22nd November 2025 | 10:10 AM | The Small Tahuna 1.3km and Tiny Tahuna 500m registrations open |
| Saturday 22nd November 2025 | 10:30 AM | OceanKids registrations open |
| Saturday 22nd November 2025 | 11:38 AM | High tide |
| Saturday 22nd November 2025 | 11:00 AM | The Small Tahuna 1.3km and Tiny Tahuna 500m compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday 22nd November 2025 | 11:00 AM | START - The Small Tahuna 1.3km event |
| Saturday 22nd November 2025 | 11:10 AM | START - The Tiny Tahuna 500m event |
| Saturday 22nd November 2025 | 11:20 AM | OceanKids compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday 22nd November 2025 | 12:00 PM | The Big Tahuna 3km prize giving |
| Saturday 22nd November 2025 | 12:30 PM | Crew pack down |
| Saturday 22nd November 2025 | 6:00 PM | THE AFTER PARTY IS AT The Vic Public House in central Nelson. (The infamous venue where Cathie and Peter Gibbs, two of our valued ocean swimmers, first stared into each other's eyes in 2020 and then got married — just one of our Ocean Swimming Success stories.) |
| Nelson – The Big Tahuna | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event | Age | Super Earlybird | Earlybird 1 | Earlybird 2 | Standard PRICING | Event Day | |
| Apr 1 – May 31 | Jun 1 – Jul 31 | Aug 1 – Sept 30 | Oct 1 – Nov 21 | Event Day | |||
| The Big Tahuna 3.2km | 12 yrs + | $99 | $109 | $114 | $124 | $134 | |
| The Small Tahuna 1.3km | 10 yrs + | $70 | $80 | $85 | $95 | $100 | |
| The Tiny Tahuna 500m | 8 yrs + | $55 | $65 | $70 | $75 | $80 | |
| Banana Boat Ocean Kids 100m & 200m | 6–12 yrs | Free Entry | |||||
Key Event Information
Event Day General Info
Event location
The event headquarters is located on Tāhunanui Beach.
Free with your swim entry
- Silicon swimming cap (you wear on event day)
- Branded finish line photo (digital sharing quality)
- Electronic timing device
- Hydration and a banana and more to refuel post event
- Trained lifeguards to watch over you while you swim and advanced medical personnel on site
Cut-off times
For safety reasons and to ensure the day runs to schedule, our swims have a cut-off time. The times vary for each swim distance.
The Big Tahuna 3.2km Cut-off: 2hrs
The Small Tahuna 1.3km Cut-off: 50mins
The Tiny Tahuna 500m Cut-off: 20mins
Banana Boat OceanKids Cut off: 100m - 5mins / 200m - 10mins
Age limits
The Big Tahuna 3.2km Age: 12 years and above
The Small Tahuna 1.3km Age: 10 years and above
The Tiny Tahuna 500m Age: 10 years and above
Banana Boat OceanKids 100m & 200m Age: 7 – 12 years old.
Swim caps & start groups
As part of your swim pack you will receive a silicon swim cap. Each start group has a different coloured cap. Start groups are determined by the speed group you selected in the entry form. If you have swum with us already this season please bring your cap to minimise the number of caps you collect and reduce our environmental footprint.
The start groups are calculated by our operations team and are organised by speed groups & entry numbers. These can vary from event to event, unless you are a Multi Event pass swimmer, and we are reluctant to change these as it can affect results.
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 but like a little bit more space on the start line
Mid 1 - 1:40 - 1:50 per 100m
Mid 2 – 1:50 - 2:00 per 100m
Comp 1 & 2 – Out there to challenge yourself and swim with friends and family
Comp 1 - 2:00 - 2:10 per 100m
Comp 2 – 2:10 + per 100m
Results
Live results will be available as soon as you have crossed the finish line. If you cannot see your result or think there is an error, please come and see the team in registration as soon as possible and definitely BEFORE prizegiving. You can find the results here.
Post-event nutrition
Once you have crossed the finish line one of our awesome crew will be there to meet you with water and a banana.
BYO drink bottle
As part of our goal to have a greener footprint, we will no longer be offering drinking cups so please remember to bring your own drink bottle. Thanks to the awesome team at the hydration station, you can fill your bottle with water. Look out for our water station and stay hydrated!
Safety
All Banana Boat 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.
Bag Storage
Bag storage area
An area designated to store your gear bag will be available for all event participants. This will be situated at the main event site on Tāhunanui Beach. You will need to bring your own small gear bag. Please note, our bag storage service is an ‘all care, no responsibility’ service, so please do not pack valuable items.
Whats on in Nelson!
Get ready for an epic weekend in Nelson!
Nelson Tasman is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, with diverse geography capturing everything from long golden beaches to untouched forests and rugged mountains. Perhaps it's the sun, perhaps it's the location, but Nelson Tasman has long been a magnet for creative people.
Head to the Centre of New Zealand.
To reach the Centre of New Zealand will take 20-60 minutes, depending on your age, speed and fitness. The main track is suitable for sturdier push chairs and buggies
For some more exciting things to check out the TOP 10 things to do in Nelson.
