The Epic Swim – 10th & 11th January 2026
Conquer the Stunning Waters of Lake Taupō
Join the Ocean Swim Series and experience the thrill of open water swimming like never before!
Swim Alongside the Best
This is your chance to take on the same course as the New Zealand Ironman and swim alongside some of the country’s top open water swimmers. Challenge yourself in the stunning setting of Lake Taupō, with its breathtaking mountainous backdrop.
Races for Every Skill Level
Whether you’re an elite athlete or a beginner, we have a swim distance to suit your abilities. From the exhilarating 10km Epic to the fun and family-friendly Banana Boat OceanKids, there’s something for everyone to conquer.
Swims on offer
10th January
- Epic 10km – 10km
- Epic 7.5km – 7.5km
- Half Epic – 2.5km
- NZ Masters 2.5km Champs
- Mini Epic – 500m
11th January
- Epic 5km – 5km
- OceanKids – 100m and 200m (6-12 years)
- Minor Epic – 1km
- NZ Masters 4x1000m relay
- Epic 4x1000m relay
10th & 11th January
- The Epic Epic 10km, plus 5km, plus 2.5km
NZ Masters 2.5km Swimming Championships
The prestigious NZ Masters 2.5km Swimming Championships is a must-attend event. To qualify for a podium finish, participants must be members of the NZ Masters Association—just like in any regular pool swimming competition. This is a non-negotiable rule that we must adhere to.
Conquer the Legendary Epic Epic 10km, 5km and 2.5km
Take on the challenge of a lifetime with our Epic Epic – a thrilling 17.5km swimming extravaganza spread across two days. Tackle the 10km, 5km, and 2.5km courses, and emerge as a true swimming champion!
Secure your spot in the 5km event now and unlock the best price with our exclusive multi-pass. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this aquatic celebration – the 10km and 2.5km options will be available soon, so act fast!
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of swimming bliss. Our swim festival is a true haven for water enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled experience of camaraderie, adventure, and pure aquatic exhilaration. (NOTE: the Epic Epic 10km and 2.5km will be an extra charge at a later date more information coming soon)
Swimming NZ Championships for 10km, 7.5km, 5km and NZ Masters 2.5km
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We’ve designed an action-packed lap course that brings the excitement right up to the shore, so you can cheer on all your favorite swimmers up close and personal!
1.25km Laps Course
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, 9th January 2026 | 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Registration opens for all events - Lake Taupo Boat Club |
| Friday, 9th January 2026 | 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Pre-race course familiarisation - Full course set up |
| Saturday, 10th January 2026 | 7:00 AM | SNZ Open Water Championships, 10km, 7.5km & Epic Ocean Swim Series registrations open and swim pack pick up |
| Saturday, 10th January 2026 | 8:00 AM | Feeders & Officials report in |
| Saturday, 10th January 2026 | 8:15 AM | SNZ 10km, 7.5km & Epic Ocean Swim Series compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 10th January 2026 | 8:30 AM | START - SNZ 10km, 7.5km, Epic Ocean Swim Series |
| Saturday, 10th January 2026 | 9:00 AM | Registrations open and swim pack pick up for 2.5km Half Epic and Epic 500m - Lake Taupo Boat Club |
| Saturday, 10th January 2026 | 12:45 PM | 7.5km and 10km cut off time (4hours 15mins) |
| Saturday, 10th January 2026 | 12:45 PM | Half Epic 2.5km Ocean Swim Series and Masters Championship compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 10th January 2026 | 1:00 PM | START - Half Epic 2.5km Ocean Swim Series and Masters Championship |
| Saturday, 10th January 2026 | 2:15 PM | Mini Epic 500m Ocean Swim Series compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 10th January 2026 | 2:30 PM | START - Mini Epic 500m Ocean Swim Series |
| Saturday, 10th January 2026 | 3:00 PM | Prize giving for Epic 10km, 7.5km SNZ and Ocean Swim Series, 2.5km Half Epic and Masters Championship |
| Saturday, 10th January 2026 | 7:00 PM | Drinks and celebration with the crew - All welcome @Finn's Bistro and Beer Garden |
| Sunday, 11th January 2026 | 7:00 AM | SNZ 5km Open Water Championships & Epic Ocean Swim Series Epic 5km registrations open and swim pack pick up |
| Sunday, 11th January 2026 | 8:15 AM | SNZ 5km Open Water Championships & Epic Ocean Swim Series Epic 5km compulsory safety briefing |
| Sunday, 11th January 2026 | 8:30 AM | START - SNZ 5km & Epic Ocean Swim Series Epic 5km |
| Sunday, 11th January 2026 | 8:30 AM | Registrations open and swim pack pick up for OceanKids, 1000 Minor and 4x1000 Relay Club Championships |
| Sunday, 11th January 2026 | 9:50 AM | OceanKids 100m & 200m compulsory safety briefing |
| Sunday, 11th January 2026 | 10:00 AM | START - OceanKids 100m & 200m |
| Sunday, 11th January 2026 | 10:35 AM | Minor Epic 1000m compulsory safety briefing |
| Sunday, 11th January 2026 | 10:45 AM | 5km cut off time (2hours 15mins) |
| Sunday, 11th January 2026 | 10:45 AM | START - Minor Epic 1000m |
| Sunday, 11th January 2026 | 10:50 AM | SNZ & EPIC 4 X 1000 relay compulsory safety briefing |
| Sunday, 11th January 2026 | 11:00 AM | START - SNZ & EPIC 4 X 1000 relay |
| Sunday, 11th January 2026 | 12:30 PM | Prize giving for SNZ & Epic 5km, 4 x 1000 relay |
| Taupō Swim Festival | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event | Age | 1st Apr – 31st May | 1st Jun – 3rd Aug | 4th Aug – 5th Oct | 6th Oct – 9th Jan | Event Day | |
| Epic Epic (10km, 5km & 2.5km) - No series pass purchased | 14 yrs + | $339 | $349 | $359 | $369 | $379 | |
| Epic Epic (10km & 2.5km) - Series Pass Upgrade | 14 yrs + | $239 | $249 | $259 | $269 | $279 | |
| Epic 10km | 14 yrs + | $149 | $159 | $164 | $169 | $174 | |
| Epic 7.5km | 14 yrs + | $120 | $130 | $135 | $140 | $145 | |
| Epic 5km | 12 yrs + | $110 | $120 | $125 | $130 | $135 | |
| Half Epic - 2500m | 10 yrs + | $85 | $95 | $100 | $105 | $110 | |
| Minor Epic - 1000m | 10 yrs + | $65 | $75 | $80 | $85 | $90 | |
| Epic relay 4x1000m | 10 yrs + | $110 | $120 | $125 | $130 | $135 | |
| Mini Epic - 500m | 8 yrs + | $55 | $65 | $70 | $75 | $80 | |
| OceanKids – 100m and 200m (6–12 yrs) | 6-12 yrs | FREE ENTRY | |||||
Key Event Information
Event Day General Info
Event location
The event headquarters is located at – Lake Taupō (Redoubt Street/Ferry Rd near Chris Jolly Outdoor Tours)
Free with your Swim Entry
- Silicon swimming cap (you wear on event day)
- Branded finish line photo (digital sharing quality)
- Electronic timing device
- Water and a banana to refuel post event
- Trained lifeguards to watch over you while you swim and advanced medical personnel on site
Results
Live results will be available as soon as you have crossed the finish line. If you can not 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!
Swimming New Zealand Open Water Championships
All the event information for the NZ Open Water Swimming Champs, as well the rules and regulations, can be found in Swimming NZ's Information Guide.
Registrations for the NZ Open Water Championships close strictly on Sunday, 14th December at 11.59 pm.
NZ Masters 2.5 km Championships
To take part in the NZ Masters Championships, you’ll need to be a current, paid member of the NZ Masters Association.
When entering, please sign up for the 2.5 km event and make sure to select “Yes” when asked:
“Will you be competing in the 2.5 km NZ Masters Championships in Taupō?”
Registrations for the NZ Masters Championships will close strictly on Wednesday, 7 January 2026.
Feeding Station for the Ocean Swim Series
For the Ocean Swim Series 10km and 7.5km.
The feeding table will be accessible on every lap of the course, ensuring you have regular opportunities to refuel throughout the event. It will be positioned near the start line. With each lap measuring 1.25 km, you will pass the feeding table a total of eight times over the course of the race. We would recommend having a small container (no bigger than an ice cream tub size) to hold your nutrition in. This will ensure your nutrition is kept together and doesn't fall into the water.
Swimming NZ has specific regulations for the NZ Open Water Championships. Please refer to the Swimming NZ tab for their information booklet.
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
An area designated to store your gear bag will be available for all event participants. This will be situated at the main event site at Lake Taupō. You will need to bring your own small gear bag and label with your surname. Please note, our bag storage is an ‘all care, no responsibility’ service, please do not pack valuable items.
Parking
Parking is free in Taupō’s town centre but there are often time limits.
Check out all your options HERE.
