Welcome to the newest chapter of the Amphibian SwimRun series.
This is your chance to take on an unforgettable journey through the jewel of Northland: the Bay of Islands.
Set against one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking backdrops, this event is a wild fusion of ocean swims, island trails, native bush, and coastal adventure. Swim from beach to beach. Run through headlands, farmland, and hidden coves. Feel the pulse of Aotearoa’s untamed north as you race across sea and land.
Inspired by the legacy of Breca Bay of Islands, this event takes everything athletes loved — island-hopping swims, technical terrain, and community spirit — and adds the signature Amphibian flair: better gear, more support, and serious rewards.
Whether you're tackling the Short approximately 16km or the epic Long approximately 36km course, you’ll experience:
This is not just a race — it’s a true adventure. You and your teammate will work together, side-by-side, navigating nature at its finest. You’ll be tested physically and mentally — but you’ll finish stronger, saltier, and prouder than ever before.
The Full Experience — 36km Long Course
The 36km Long Course at Amphibian Bay of Islands is more than just a race — it’s a true expedition through some of the most untouched and spectacular parts of the Bay of Islands.
This journey takes you across remote islands, hidden beaches, rugged coastal trails and crystal-clear swim crossings where you’ll experience places most New Zealanders never get to see.
You won’t just pass through the Bay of Islands.
You’ll truly explore it.
From isolated bays only accessible by water, to raw coastal terrain far away from the crowds, every stage feels like a new discovery. One moment you’re swimming through turquoise water between islands, the next you’re running along trails overlooking endless ocean views.
It’s adventure racing stripped back to what it should be:
nature, challenge, teamwork and unforgettable moments.
Done solo or in pairs, the 36km course is designed to test you, reward you and leave you with stories that last long after the finish line.
Amphibian Bay of Islands
Long Course
⌄
Approx. 36km total | Starts at Waitangi | Finishes on Upukapuka Island
Long Course
⌄| Leg | Type | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Run | 600 m |
| 2 | Swim | 200 m |
| 3 | Run | 1.10 km |
| 4 | Swim | 135 m |
| 5 | Run | 520 m |
| 6 | Swim | 370 m |
| 7 | Run | 1.34 km |
| 8 | Swim | 500 m |
| 9 | Run | 4.01 km |
| 10 | Swim | 120 m |
| 11 | Run | 1.52 km |
| 12 | Swim | 390 m |
| 13 | Run | 950 m |
| 14 | Swim | 270 m |
| 15 | Run | 10 km – Winery to Long Beach |
| 16 | Swim | 3.26 km |
| 17 | Run | 830 m |
| 18 | Swim | 1.99 km |
| 19 | Run | 3.46 km |
| 20 | Swim | 1.13 km |
| 21 | Run | 3.69 km |
| 22 | Swim | 950 m |
| 23 | Run | 1.49 km |
Note: Distances are approximate and may change slightly after final course checks, tide, landing points and safety sign-off.
15KM SHORT COURSE - Get a taste with the Short Course 15km
The Short Course at Amphibian Bay of Islands is an approximately 15km point-to-point adventure through some of the most spectacular parts of the Bay of Islands.
Athletes are transported by boat out into the Bay and dropped directly into the water just off the famous Robertson Island, surrounded by crystal-clear ocean and island scenery in every direction.
No crowded beach start.
No standing around on the sand.
Just you, the water, the islands and the journey ahead.
From the moment the start horn sounds, you’ll swim toward remote shorelines, run stunning coastal trails and experience the raw beauty of the Bay of Islands in a way very few people ever do.
The Short Course is designed to be achievable, exciting and adventure-filled — perfect for first-time SwimRunners, ocean swimmers, trail runners or teams wanting to experience the magic of Amphibian without taking on the full ultra-distance mission.
It’s not just a race.
It’s a 15km island adventure.
Amphibian Bay of Islands
Short Course
⌄
Approx. 14.4km total | Starts from Robertson Island
Short Course
⌄| Leg | Type | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swim | 910 m |
| 2 | Run | 984 m |
| 3 | Swim | 1.99 km |
| 4 | Run | 3.46 km |
| 5 | Swim | 1.03 km |
| 6 | Run | 3.71 km |
| 7 | Swim | 985 m |
| 8 | Run | 1.33 km |
Note: Distances are approximate and subject to change following final course checks, tides, landing points and safety sign-off.
GPS tracked
We learned a huge amount from our first Amphibian event in Auckland in 2026, including the successful launch of our brand-new live GPS tracking system. The technology worked fantastically and will return again for 2027.
This system allows our safety team to view your exact location in real time for the entire race, adding another layer of athlete safety and event management. Even better, your supporters will also be able to follow your progress live, track your journey across the course, and be ready to welcome you home to the finish line.
Skills That Will Help You
Master these essential SwimRun techniques
Swim Skills
- Open-water sighting
- Swimming in shoes
- Swimming alongside a partner
- Drafting while swimming
- Swimming in currents
- Handling rough water
- Open-water navigation
- Efficient beach exits
Run Skills
- Running in a wetsuit
- Coastal trail running
- Running on uneven terrain
- Rock hopping
- Climbing slippery rocks safely
- Managing overheating during runs
Transition Skills
- SwimRun transitions
- Entry and exit techniques
- Fast transition routines
- Gear setup and adjustments
- Pull buoy positioning
- Using paddles correctly
Team Skills
- Team tether techniques
- Communication during racing
- Swimming with a partner
- Team pacing strategies
Endurance & Race Strategy
- Nutrition and fuelling
- Energy management over long distances
- Pacing long-distance SwimRun events
- Adapting to changing conditions
- Mental resilience for endurance adventure racing
Gear & Preparation
- DIY SwimRun gear modifications
- Race-day equipment setup
- Wetsuit fit and comfort
- Safety equipment
- Ferry logistics and race preparation
Confidence & Adventure Skills
- Ocean confidence
- Remote environment awareness
- Decision-making under fatigue
- Building confidence in challenging conditions
- Adventure racing mindset
Welcome to the Amphibian SwimRun Wetsuits
The new Amphibian SwimRun wetsuits are designed in New Zealand and are the only SwimRun wetsuits designed in NZ by Dan Feisst, your Race Director.
Dan knows exactly what athletes will need for this event, drawing on real experience across ocean swimming, endurance events, adventure racing and SwimRun course planning.
Built for New Zealand conditions, these suits combine premium Yamamoto neoprene, seam-sealed construction, run-specific flexibility and practical storage to create a wetsuit that performs across both the swim and the run.
We also know how hard it can be to get the right SwimRun gear. Some equipment you can piece together yourself, but sometimes it’s better to get the right setup from the beginning — especially for comfort, flexibility and long-distance performance.
The Amphibian SwimRun wetsuits will be available in October/November, ready for your summer training and race preparation. Sample suits can also be viewed at Swim Shop before the season begins.
Pre-orders will be available through the cart area. Quantities will be limited, so we recommend securing yours early.
High end specs
Designed for SwimRun
Flexibility
Quality materials
Pockets to carry
Designed for Comfort
NZ SWIM RUN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026 - BAY OF ISLANDS
days
days
hours
hrs
minutes
mins
seconds
secs
