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13-14 Feb
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Killarney Park, Takapuna, Auckland
A premium summer swim festival celebrating community, connection, and participation.
Freshwater Swim Fest is New Zealand's newest open water swimming event, and it's set to become the country's largest swimming festival from year one. Held over two days at the stunning Pupukemoana (Lake Pupuke) in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, this is a celebration of swimming in every form: competitive, recreational, and everything in between.
With distances ranging from 250m to 10km, there's a swim for every level. First-timers can dip a toe in with our shorter distances, while seasoned open water swimmers can push themselves across 5km, 7.5km, or the full 10km. For those chasing national honours, Freshwater Swim Fest proudly hosts the NZ Open Water Swimming Championships, NZ Secondary Schools Open Water Swimming Championships, and NZ Masters Open Water Swimming Championships - all in one place, for the first time.
But Freshwater Swim Fest is more than a race. It's a festival. Expect live music, food trucks, family zones, and MC-led commentary keeping the energy high across the whole weekend. Whether you're racing, cheering from the shore, or jumping in for a family swim, there's atmosphere and excitement at every turn.
Bring your family, your club, your mates, or just yourself. Freshwater Swim Fest is about challenging yourself, connecting with others, and being part of something New Zealand will be talking about for summers to come.
Choose your distance. Find your challenge. Join us at Pupukemoana, 13–14 February 2027.
Getting there
Te huarahi ki reira
By Public Transport - the easiest way to get here From the city (CBD) Take the NX1 Northern Express from the city to Smales Farm Station, then connect onto the 845 bus to Takapuna Bus Station. From there it's a flat, easy 5-minute walk to Killarney Park and the event. From across the North Shore the 82 bus runs directly between Milford and the Auckland CBD via Takapuna – hop off at Anzac Street and follow event signage, approximately a 10-minute walk to the event entrance. Several other routes service the Takapuna area. Check at.govt.nz or use the AT Mobile app to plan your journey from your location. We recommend allowing extra travel time on event weekend. Bus services may be busier than usual.
More info
He pārongo atu anō