THE TANIWHA SWIM - 14/15/16 November 2025

Welcome to THE TANIWHA SWIM – a wild and unforgettable test of swimming endurance. Loosely inspired by the notorious Barkley Marathons, this three-day, multi-location open water swim is not just an event – it’s a legend in the making.

Every year, a small group of hardy souls will take on a series of unique swims across 72 hours, scattered across the raw beauty and power of New Zealand’s North Island.

The Rules are Simple:

• We will swim >42km over the weekend.

• 72 hour cut off. 

• You’ll swim in at least one river, one lake, one night swim, one East Coast ocean swim, and one West Coast ocean swim.
  

• No wetsuits. No weather delays. No compromises. 

• Swimmers need to reserve the 3 swimming dates agreed to, SwimScape will let you know where to meet 1 week prior to the swim start - the Swim Start will be in Auckland.  The Finish will be in Wellington.  

• Each Swimmer will need a buddy to drive them between swims. Swimmers will provide their own transport. SwimScape will communicate the swim venues after each swim is completed.
• Camping equipment needs to be provided by each swimmer, and each swimmer/buddy need to put up their own tents. No hotels, no B&B's etc. 
• Food supplies for the 3 days need to be brought with you and packed in your vehicle, we will not be stopping for supplies other than fuel, and the odd coffee. 
• Tow floats and night lights compulsory. 
  

This isn’t for everyone. The Taniwha Swim is about grit, resilience, community, and carving stories into the currents of Aotearoa’s most iconic and unpredictable waters. Each year we aim to welcome a few new names into an exclusive circle of finishers – a growing tribe of legends whose tales will echo far beyond our time.

The Taniwha is waiting.

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