{"product_id":"poor-knights-to-matapouri-22km-swim","title":"POOR KNIGHTS TO MATAPOURI 22KM SWIM","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eThis is no ordinary open-water swim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eFor those seeking an experience unlike any other marathon swim, your journey may begin inside Riko Riko Cave, within Aorangi Island.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eRiko 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eFrom here, there is approximately 22km of open ocean between you and the mainland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eThe water is often remarkably clear, with temperatures reaching approximately 22°C in March, creating exceptional conditions for a long-distance ocean swim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eBut 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eThere 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eTwenty-two kilometres after leaving the Poor Knights, you will have crossed one of New Zealand's most spectacular stretches of ocean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eDistance: Approximately 22km\u003cbr\u003eLocation: Poor Knights Islands to the Tutukaka Coast \/ Matapouri Bay\u003cbr\u003eWater temperature: Up to approximately 22°C in March\u003cbr\u003eStart: Potentially inside Riko Riko Cave, Aorangi Island\u003cbr\u003eFinish: Matapouri Beach, conditions and navigation permitting\u003cbr\u003eSwimwear: Togs or wetsuit\u003cbr\u003eOfficial swim: Togs only\u003cbr\u003eTracking: Live GPS tracking provided\u003cbr\u003eSupport: Dedicated escort boat and experienced boat pilot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eYou will have to earn every kilometre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease contact info@swimscape.co.nz if you have any additional questions. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Swimscape","offers":[{"title":"Solo Swimmer","offer_id":54982496321835,"sku":null,"price":5000.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0766\/9507\/7163\/files\/Poor_KNights_3.png?v=1786507774","url":"https:\/\/swimscape.co.nz\/products\/poor-knights-to-matapouri-22km-swim","provider":"Swimscape","version":"1.0","type":"link"}