NZ Ocean Swim Series Whangamata – 13th & 14 March 2027
Dive into the Kiwi Summer of swimming and surf.
Celebrate the stunning natural beauty of Whangamata with an epic weekend of swimming, sun and adventure!
We’re excited to introduce the Whangamatā Island Swims, a brand-new ocean swim event set around the stunning islands just off the Whangamatā coastline.
Swimmers can take on the 3.8km Island Swim, a spectacular course exploring the waters around the islands or the 2km swim for a solid ocean challenge. There’s also a 500m beach blast for those building confidence in open water.
For younger swimmers, the FREE OceanKids events over 100m and 200m are all about participation, fun, and inspiring the next generation to love the ocean.
Swim course overview
The Full 3.8km Islands Whenuakura Swim
The 2km Island Cruise Swim
The Beach Blast 500m
The OceanKids
Ocean swimming tips
Master the waves with these essential techniques
Acclimatize gradually
Enter the water slowly to allow your body to adjust to the temperature. Take deep breaths and wade in progressively deeper.
Sight regularly
Lift your head every 6-10 strokes to check your direction. Use landmarks on shore or buoys to maintain your course in open water.
Swim with the current
Understand tidal patterns and currents before entering. Plan your route to work with the water, not against it, to conserve energy.
Master breathing rhythm
Practice bilateral breathing to handle choppy conditions. Exhale fully underwater and time your breath between waves.
Stay visible
Wear a brightly colored swim cap and consider using a tow float. This helps boats, kayakers, and lifeguards spot you easily.
Never swim alone
Always swim with a buddy or group. Ocean conditions can change quickly, and having support nearby is essential for safety.
Key Event Information
Event Schedule
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, 12th March | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Event Registration |
| Saturday, 13th March | 7:00 AM | Event Registration Opens |
| Saturday, 13th March | 9:45 AM | Compulsory briefing – 3.8km Whenuakura Island swim |
| Saturday, 13th March | 10:00 AM | START – 3.8km Whenuakura Island swim |
| Saturday, 13th March | 10:45 AM | Compulsory briefing – 2km Island Cruise |
| Saturday, 13th March | 11:00 AM | START – 2km Island Cruise |
| Saturday, 13th March | 11:45 AM | Compulsory briefing – 500m Beach Blast |
| Saturday, 13th March | 12:00 PM | START – 500 Beach Blast |
| Saturday, 13th March | 12:15 PM | Compulsory briefing – OceanKids 100m & 200m |
| Saturday, 13th March | 12:20 PM | START – OceanKids 100m & 200m |
| Saturday, 13th March | 1:00 PM | Prizegiving |
| Sunday, 14th March | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Whenuakura Island Swim Experience – small groups leaving throughout the morning, your group time to be confirmed |
Pricing
| Event | Age | Super Earlybird | Earlybird 1 | Earlybird 2 | Standard | Event Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Apr – 31 May | 1 Jun – 2 Aug | 3 Aug – 4 Oct | 5 Oct – Event Day | Event Day | ||
| Full 3.8km Islands (Main Points Race) | 12 yrs + | $110 | $120 | $125 | $135 | $145 |
| 2km Island Cruise | 10 yrs + | $85 | $95 | $100 | $110 | $115 |
| Beach Blast 500m | 10 yrs + | $65 | $75 | $80 | $90 | $95 |
| Donut Swim – Swim Experience | 12 yrs + | $99 | $109 | $114 | $124 | $134 |
| OceanKids 100m & 200m | 6–12 yrs | FREE | ||||
Event Day General Information
Event Location
The event headquarters are located at Island View Reserve, Whangamatā. This is the central hub for the event, including registration, briefings, start/finish, and post-swim activities.
Free with your swim entry
- Silicon swimming cap (you wear on event day)
- Event photography & finish line photos
- Electronic timing device
- A banana to refuel post event
- Trained lifeguards to watch over you while you swim and advanced medical personnel on site
Cut-off Times
For safety and to ensure the event runs to schedule, all swims have cut-off times:
• 3.8km – 2 hours
• 2km – 1 hour 10 minutes
• 500m – 20 minutes
• OceanKids 100m – 5 minutes
• OceanKids 200m – 10 minutes
Age Limits
• 3.8km – 12 years and older
• 2km – 10 years and older
• 500m – 8 years and older
• OceanKids 100m & 200m – 5–12 years
Swim Caps & Start Groups
As part of your swim pack, you will receive a silicone swim cap. Each start group is assigned a different colour cap, based on the speed group selected during entry.
If you’ve already swum with us this season, please bring your cap to help reduce waste and support our sustainability efforts.
Start groups are set by our operations team based on pace and entry numbers. These may vary between events (unless you are a Multi Event Pass swimmer), and changes are avoided as they can affect results.
Speed Groups:
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 with more space at the start
• Mid 1: 1:40 – 1:50 per 100m
• Mid 2: 1:50 – 2:00 per 100m
Comp 1 & 2 – Challenge yourself, swim with friends and family
• Comp 1: 2:00 – 2:10 per 100m
• Comp 2: 2:10+ per 100m
Prizegiving & Awards
For the 3.8km, awards will be presented to:
• Top 3 overall
• Top 3 in each age group
For the 2km, awards will be presented to:
• Top 3 overall
• Top 3 in each age group
All 500m finishers will receive a finisher ribbon.
All OceanKids swimmers will receive a medal at the finish line.
Results
Live results will be available as soon as you cross the finish line.
If you believe there is an issue with your result, please see the registration team as soon as possible and before prizegiving.
BYO Drink Bottle
To reduce waste, we no longer provide disposable cups. Please bring your own drink bottle and refill at the hydration station on site.
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.
Parking
Car parking
There is plenty of car parking available around Whangamatā township and Island View Reserve, including roadside parking and nearby public spaces. These can fill up quickly on event morning, so we recommend arriving early and being prepared for a short walk to the event site.
The Count down is on!
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SwimXperience – The Whenuakura Journey. (Donut Island)
Strictly limited numbers on these swim experiences.
Operated Sunday 14th, 8:00am – 11:00am.
Separate from the main race.
This is a leisurely, guided swim experience — and a very special one at that. We’ve been granted exclusive access to take small groups into one of New Zealand’s most unique natural locations.
Join a small guided swim groups for the chance to experience The Whenuakura Journey.
(Donut Island) off Whangamatā.
Before each group heads out, a local representative from iwi will share the cultural significance and history of the area, offering a deeper understanding of this special place.
From the beach, swimmers head out together across the bay before slipping through the narrow rock entrance that leads into the island’s hidden inner lagoon. Inside, the water becomes calm and quiet, surrounded by towering rock walls and open sky above.
All swimmers are required to bring and use a tow float for safety throughout the swim.
This isn’t about racing — it’s about the experience. Floating inside the natural crater, taking in the scenery, and sharing something truly special with a small group before heading back to shore together.
