Registration is compulsory for all participants. You will need to provide your Photo ID (preferably a driver's licence or passport) to collect your timing chip. 

Registration and the event information desk is open from 7:00am to 9:30am on event day.

Bag Drop

There will be a bag drop service available for swimmers wishing to transport gear from the start line to the finish line pre-race. This is a free service which doesn't require any pre-booking

We advise you to not leave any valuables in your bag, as this service is provided at your own risk and we don't provide bags or a numbered tag system.

Check - Clean - Dry

The Race Director will provide a safety briefing at 9:40am prior to the event start. 

This briefing will cover important course information and is compulsory to attend. Failure to attend the briefing may result in disqualification from the event.

Compulsory Wetsuit Check

There is currently a Biosecurity Alert in the central North Island for the unwanted invasive species of freshwater gold clam. These clams have been found in the Waikato River, and threaten to spread throughout other freshwater waterways, including Great Lake Taupō. In order to minimize the risk of this spread, we ask all our swimmers to complete an increased Check, Clean and Dry process for your wetsuits before arriving in Taupō. • All athletes must bring their wetsuit (if you choose to wear one!) to registration to be checked by the Department of Conservation.

We thank you in advance for your cooperation with this task, as we hope to keep Great Lake Taupō clean, clear and pest free for many more generations to enjoy. 

How to Clean Your Wetsuit

To ensure a safe and enjoyable start for all swimmers, a wave start format will be implemented for the event. Swimmers will select a wave start during the online event registration process, and your wave number will be confirmed at the Registration prior to the Swim Start. The wave start system will release a set number of swimmers at timed intervals.

Your swim time is calculated from when the start gun fires for your chosen Wave, so please ensure you start in the correct wave. Wave starts will help everyone swim at their own pace across the course.

Waves Available

• Wave 1 (Speedy) - 10:00am Start

• Wave 2 (Swift) - 10:05am Start

• Wave 3 (Cruising) - 10:10am Start

• Wave 4 (Leisurely) - 10:15am Start

Timing Chip & Course Cut-off

In the interest of providing a safe and enjoyable event for all swimmers, please take into consideration the following information: 

• The swim course is a down river swim which may have sections of fast-moving water and currents. Specialist safety teams are on course at all times, however, please be aware of your surroundings. Please take care of yourself and be courteous to your fellow swimmers.

• Please obey instructions from race officials, the Harbourmaster, Coastguard, and surf lifesaving personnel at all times.

• If you have to withdraw from the event please inform the nearest race official. 

Wetsuits

The water temperature in the Waikato River is expected to be 20 degrees, therefore wetsuits are always recommended, however, they are not compulsory for the event.

Prize Giving

The Huka River Swim is an event for everybody, whether you are a beginner or seasoned swimmer!

To support in making your day a success, we have partnered Laura Quilter from AuraMove to provide you with a free 8-Week swim plan

Over 48 days you will complete a structured weekly training program designed to make you physically stronger and technically better.

This program is designed for beginner to intermediate swimmers capable of swimming >400m without stopping. The sessions build gradually from 1km - 3km.

AuraMove