The Epic Swim – Taupo

11th & 12th January 2025

7:00 am — 4:00 pm

The Epic Swim – 11 January 2025
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 – 11th January
  • Epic 7.5km – 7.5km – 11th January
  • Half Epic – 2.5km – 11th January
  • NZ Masters 2.5km Champs – 11th January
  • Mini Epic – 500m – 11th January
  • Epic 5km – 5km – 12th January
  • OceanKids – 100m and 200m (7-12 years) – 12th January
  • Minor Epic – 1km – 12th January
  • NZ Masters 4x1000m relay – 12th January
  • Epic 4x1000m relay – 12th January
  • The Epic Epic 10km, Plus 5km, plus 2.5km - 11t and 12th 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.

You have two membership options: a day rate or an annual membership. The day rate costs $20, granting you temporary financial membership with NZMS for the event day. If you're keen to explore more Masters swimming competitions throughout the winter, an annual membership may be worth considering.

To register for a day membership, make your payment of $20 to:

Account Name: New Zealand Masters Swimming
Account Number: 12-3068-0193842-00

When making the payment, include the following details:

  • Particulars: [Your club and member name]
  • Reference: Temporary member

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 10k,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, 10th January 2025 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Registration opens for all events - Lake Taupo Boat Club
Friday, 10th January 2025 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Pre-race course familiarisation - Full course set up
Saturday, 11th January 2025 7:00 AM SNZ Open Water Championships, 10km, 7.5km & Epic Ocean Swim Series 10km, 7.5km registrations open and swim pack pick up
Saturday, 11th January 2025 8:00 AM Feeders & Officials report in
Saturday, 11th January 2025 8:15 AM SNZ 10km, 7.5km & Epic Ocean Swim Series compulsory safety briefing
Saturday, 11th January 2025 8:30 AM START - SNZ 10km, 7.5km, Epic Ocean Swim Series 10km, 7.5km
Saturday, 11th January 2025 9:00 AM Registrations open and swim pack pick up for 2.5km Half Epic and Epic 500m - Lake Taupo Boat Club
Saturday, 11th January 2025 12:45 PM Half Epic 2.5km Ocean Swim Series and Masters Championship compulsory safety briefing
Saturday, 11th January 2025 1:00 PM START Half Epic 2.5km Ocean Swim Series and Masters Championship
Saturday, 11th January 2025 2:15 PM Mini Epic 500m Ocean Swim Series compulsory safety briefing
Saturday, 11th January 2025 2:30 PM START Mini Epic 500m Ocean Swim Series
Saturday, 11th January 2025 3:00 PM Prize giving for Epic 10km, 7.5km SNZ and Banana Boat Ocean Swims, 2.5km Half Epic and Masters Championship
Saturday, 11th January 2025 4:00 PM Dinner and celebration with the crew - All welcome
Sunday, 12th January 2025 7:00 AM SNZ 5km Open Water Championships & Epic Ocean Swim Series Epic 5km registrations open and swim pack pick up
Sunday, 12th January 2025 8:15 AM SNZ 5km Open Water Championships & Epic Ocean Swim Series Epic 5km compulsory safety briefing
Sunday, 12th January 2025 8:30 AM START SNZ 5km Open Water Championships & Epic Ocean Swim Series Epic 5km
Sunday, 12th January 2025 8:30 AM Registrations open and swim pack pick up for OceanKids, 1000 Minor and 4x1000 Relay Club Championships
Sunday, 12th January 2025 9:50 AM Banana Boat OceanKids 100m & 200m compulsory safety briefing
Sunday, 12th January 2025 10:00 AM START Banana Boat OceanKids 100m & 200m
Sunday, 12th January 2025 10:35 AM Minor Epic 1000m compulsory safety briefing
Sunday, 12th January 2025 10:45 AM START Minor Epic 1000m
Sunday, 12th January 2025 10:50 AM SNZ & EPIC 4 X 1000 relay compulsory safety briefing
Sunday, 12th January 2025 11:00 AM START SNZ & EPIC 4 X 1000 relay
Sunday, 12th January 2025 12:30 PM Prize giving for SNZ & Epic 5km, 4 x 1000 relay
PRICING
Event Age Super Earlybird Price
(16 June - 13 July)
Earlybird Price
(14 July - 10 Aug)
Standard Price
(11 Aug - 4 Jan)
Late Entries
(5 Jan - 1 Jan)
Epic Epic Epic (2.5km, 5km, and 10km races) 16 yrs + $349 $349 $349 $349
Epic Epic PLUS (adding on a 2.5km and 10km swim for the swimmers who have already entered the Series pass) 16 yrs + $269 $269 $269 $269
Epic 10km 16 yrs + $140 $150 $155 $160
Epic 7.5km 16 yrs + $120 $130 $135 $140
Epic 5km 12 yrs + $110 $120 $125 $130
Half Epic - 2500m 10 yrs + $85 $95 $100 $105
Minor Epic - 1000m 10 yrs + $65 $75 $80 $85
Mini Epic - 500m 10 yrs + $55 $65 $70 $75
Banana Boat OceanKids – 100m and 200m 7-12 yrs

Key Event Information

Event Day General Info

Swimming New Zealand Open Water Champs

Feeding Station

Safety

Bag Storage

Parking