Freshwater Swim Fest

The Freshwater Swim Fest, created by Quantum Events, is positioned as New Zealand's biggest swim festival, taking place over the weekend of February 13-14, 2027. The event will be hosted at Lake Pupuke, a heart-shaped volcanic crater lake in the heart of Takapuna, Auckland, chosen for its calm, enclosed freshwater environment, making it welcoming for both first-timers and elite athletes. Surf Life Saving NZ will provide water safety.

The festival will feature three national titles: the New Zealand Open Water Championships, the New Zealand Secondary School Open Water Championships, and the New Zealand Masters Open Water Championships. The main 2.5km race offers a $6,000 prize pool. Swim distances range from a 250m novice dip to a 10km distance swim, with organizers targeting 2,000 swimmers and over 7,500 attendees.

A unique highlight of the festival is the inaugural New Zealand Doggy Swimming Championships, where dogs will race a 100m dash, guided by their owners swimming alongside them. This competition offers free entry for pets. The event will also include live music, food trucks, a garden bar, and various family activities. Ambassadors for the festival include Wendy Petrie, Ian Jones, Laura Quilter, and Lewis Clareburt, with support from Auckland Council Events and Swimming New Zealand.