The Epic Swim – Taupo

On 7 May 1846, the Ngāti Tūwharetoa village of Te Rapa was struck by a devastating landslide that buried the community and claimed the life of their chief, Mananui Te Heuheu Tūkino II. Today, the waters of Lake Taupō that lap against the shore near the memorial site offer a vastly different, more serene atmosphere for the thousands of swimmers who gather here annually for The Epic Swim. The lake itself, a massive caldera spanning 616 square kilometres, presents an immense challenge, reaching depths of 186 metres. Swimming here means traversing an environment shaped by deep-seated geological power, a reality reflected in the presence of hydrothermal vents near the Horomatangi Reefs, which support unique ecosystems of extremophile organisms beneath the surface.

The challenge of the lake

This event is deeply rooted in the history of long-distance swimming in New Zealand. In 1955, Margaret Sweeney marked a turning point for the sport by becoming the first person to successfully swim the entire 40.2 km length of the lake. Modern participants can choose from a range of distances, from the 100m kids' races to the demanding 10km Epic, with entry fees ranging from 42 to 95 NZD. For those looking to push their endurance further, the event includes the 'Epic Epic' 17.5km challenge spread across two days. If you are seeking a different pacing, you might consider the Lake Taupō Across the Lake Swim, which takes place in the same waters just weeks later. As you navigate the course, you will see the slopes of Mount Tauhara looming over the horizon, a dacitic lava dome that remains culturally significant to the local hapū. The water also hosts brown and rainbow trout, introduced to the region in the late 19th century, which you may occasionally spot darting beneath you during the quieter stretches of the swim.