10th & 11th January 2026

7:00 am — 4:00 pm

The Epic Swim – 10th & 11th January 2026
Conquer the Stunning Waters of Lake Taupō

Join the Banana Boat 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.

Achieve the Unthinkable

Push your limits and discover what you’re capable of. This is your opportunity to take on challenges you never thought possible and be crowned the fastest open-water swimmer in your Age Group.

Make Memories to Last a Lifetime

Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Lake Taupō and create unforgettable experiences with friends and family. This is the perfect way to spend your Summer holidays and create lasting memories.

Swims on offer

  • Epic 10km – 10km – 10th January
  • Epic 7.5km – 7.5km – 10th January
  • Half Epic – 2.5km – 10th January
  • NZ Masters 2.5km Champs – 10th January
  • Mini Epic – 500m – 10th January

  • Epic 5km – 11th January
  • OceanKids – 100m and 200m (6-12 years) – 11th January
  • Minor Epic – 1km – 11th January
  • NZ Masters 4x1000m relay – 11th January
  • Epic 4x1000m relay – 11th January

  • The Epic Epic 10km, plus 5km, plus 2.5km - 10th & 11th January

Compete in the 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.

Don’t miss your chance to shine!

We cannot stress enough the importance of fulfilling the NZ Masters Association membership requirement if you wish to participate in the 2.5km Master Champs and be considered for a placing. This is a non-negotiable rule that we must adhere to.

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to guide you through the process and ensure you have an unforgettable experience at these events. Let’s make a splash together!

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, 5km and NZMasters 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

THE EPIC SWIM TIME TABLE
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 Banana Boat Ocean Swims, 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 Banana Boat OceanKids 100m & 200m compulsory safety briefing
Sunday, 11th January 2026 10:00 AM START - Banana Boat 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
PRICING
Taupō Swim Festival
Event Age April to May 31st June 1st to July 31st 1 Aug - Sep 30th MERCH Cut-Off oCT 1ST Standard PRICING OCT 2ND TO EVENT DAY Event Day
Epic Epic (10km, 5km & 2.5km) - No series pass purchased16 yrs +$339$349$359$369$379$389
Epic Epic (10km & 2.5km) - Series Pass Upgrade16 yrs +$239$249$259$269$279$289
Epic 10km16 yrs +$149$159$164$169$174$179
Epic 7.5km16 yrs +$120$130$135$140$145$150
Epic 5km12 yrs +$110$120$125$130$135$140
Half Epic - 2500m10 yrs +$85$95$100$105$110$115
Minor Epic - 1000m10 yrs +$65$75$80$85$90$95
Mini Epic - 500m10 yrs +$55$65$70$75$80$85
Banana Boat OceanKids – 100m and 200m (7–12 yrs)7-12 yrsFREE ENTRY

Key Event Information

Event Day General Info

Feeding Station

Safety

Bag Storage

Parking