The Epic Swim – Taupo
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
days
days
hours
hrs
minutes
mins
seconds
secs
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, 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 |
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
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 Champs
All the event information for the Open Water Swimming Champs, as well the rules and regulations, can be found in NZ Swimming's Information Guide.
Feeding Station
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 kilometers in length, you will pass by the feeding table a total of eight times over the course of the race.
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.