POOR KNIGHTS TO MATAPOURI 22KM SWIM

The Poor Knights Islands rise dramatically from the Pacific Ocean, approximately 22km off the Tutukaka Coast of Northland. From the mainland, the islands appear on the horizon like a sleeping knight - ancient, mysterious and completely captivating.

This is no ordinary open-water swim.

The Poor Knights are a marine reserve of extraordinary ecological and cultural significance, protected by their tapu status. Swimmers do not land on or touch the islands. Instead, the adventure begins from the water surrounding them, immersing you in one of New Zealand's most spectacular marine environments before embarking on the long journey back to the mainland.

For those seeking an experience unlike any other marathon swim, your journey may begin inside Riko Riko Cave, within Aorangi Island.

Riko Riko is one of the world's largest sea caves — a vast natural cathedral carved into the Poor Knights by the power of the ocean. As daylight filters through the cave entrance and the water opens out into the Pacific, you begin one of New Zealand's most unique marathon swimming challenges.

From here, there is approximately 22km of open ocean between you and the mainland.

The waters between the Poor Knights and the Tutukaka Coast are alive with marine life. Depending on the season and conditions, swimmers may encounter dolphins, rays, schools of fish, marlin, mako sharks and other large marine species.

The water is often remarkably clear, with temperatures reaching approximately 22°C in March, creating exceptional conditions for a long-distance ocean swim.

But this is still the open Pacific.  Ocean swell, currents, wind and changing conditions are all part of the challenge. Your experienced support crew and boat pilot will guide the crossing, monitor conditions and help navigate you safely towards the mainland.

There is something special about finishing a marathon swim on a beach.  After hours in the open ocean, the sight of the Tutukaka coastline growing closer is unforgettable. With an experienced boat pilot navigating the final section, your swim can be directed towards the beautiful Matapouri Bay, where you can finish by riding the final waves onto the golden sand.

Twenty-two kilometres after leaving the Poor Knights, you will have crossed one of New Zealand's most spectacular stretches of ocean.

Distance: Approximately 22km
Location: Poor Knights Islands to the Tutukaka Coast / Matapouri Bay
Water temperature: Up to approximately 22°C in March
Start: Potentially inside Riko Riko Cave, Aorangi Island
Finish: Matapouri Beach, conditions and navigation permitting
Swimwear: Togs or wetsuit
Official swim: Togs only
Tracking: Live GPS tracking provided
Support: Dedicated escort boat and experienced boat pilot

This is a marathon swim for experienced open-water swimmers. There is no artificial course, no marked line to follow and no certainty that the ocean will give you what you want on the day.

You will have to earn every kilometre.

The Tutukaka Coast is a place where culture, freedom, adventure and wildlife converge. Swimming from the Poor Knights to Matapouri is an opportunity to experience it from a completely different perspective - from the water, at human level, surrounded by the vastness of the Pacific.  You swim through some of New Zealand's clearest and most wildlife-rich waters.

Please contact info@swimscape.co.nz if you have any additional questions.