Crossing the Manukau: A Thrilling Harbour Swim Challenge!

Photos story: Seti Afoa / Sāmoa Events

Swimmers looking back over the course L-R, Gary Seaman, Mark Gillon, Shane Chubb, John Matthews, James Willoughby, Tania Charles, Wayne Annan, Pauline Mills, Gavin Tasker, Paulette Tasker, Amy Maslen-Miller, Robert David.

What a spectacular day it was for this year’s harbour crossing across the mighty Manukau! A swim in waters where many fear to tread.
The course was set from Taumanu Reserve in Onehunga to the Manukau Yacht and Boat Club at Kiwi Esplanade in Māngere Bridge.
Swimmers faced a true test of endurance and resilience, tackling the challenging conditions brought on by the biggest tide of the month. Though short in straight-line distance at 1.7 km one way, this is the most technical swim on our register. Today, it proved even more demanding than in past years due to the 1.41-meter king tide.
Thankfully, the weather was perfect—a slight easterly breeze, a hot summer day, and great visibility on the water.
The single crossing from Māngere to Onehunga was timed for one hour before high tide, which meant the double crossing had to start 45 minutes earlier so that all swimmers could return together to Taumanu Reserve. This timing follows the successful formula of past swims on a neap tide.
Six swimmers took on the double crossing—a total of 3.4 km, plus an additional 300 meters (or more) dictated by the current.
The first leg to Māngere proved slow and demanding due to the strong cross-current. However, the return to Taumanu Reserve was a completely different story—swimmers finished 15 to 20 minutes faster, with the current spreading them wide apart in the middle. Regardless, everyone emerged with great weekend stories to take back to the office on Monday.
For those completing the single crossing from Māngere, the incoming tide provided great assistance but also presented its own challenges.
First to complete the double crossing was Gary Seaman, who was quick enough to cut through the tide without leaving a large arc trail behind him. In the single crossing, James Willoughby finished first, with Shane Chubb and Skylar Orr following second and third.
Sunday’s swim brought plenty of action to this usually quiet part of the Manukau Harbour. The yacht club held its club race at the same time, adding to the spectacle on the water.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our volunteers! A heartfelt thank you to Gregory Dunning, Gavin Tasker, and Peter van Kuyk on kayaks, as well as Chris Jackson on the Gemini RIB. Your dedication ensures these swims happen safely and successfully, and we are immensely grateful for your contributions.
Here’s to another unforgettable Manukau Harbour crossing—where determination meets the tide, and every swimmer emerges victorious!

Results link here

Event photos link here.

Amy Maslen-Miller; Paulette Tasker and Tania Charles (Waitākere Triathlon & Multisports Club); At the Manukau Yacht & Boat Club L-R, Shane Chubb, Amy Maslen-Miller, Skylar Orr, Robert David, Wayne Annan - Front, Gary Seaman, Tatjana Schmidt, James Willoughby; Double Crossing start at Taumanu Reserve, Onehunga L-R, Gary Seaman, Mark Gillon, John Matthews, Tatjana Schmidt, Pauline Mills, Tania Charles, Paulette Tasker.