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.

On Thursday, March 27, the Ocean Swim Club – Ōrewa marked the conclusion of its final Thursday evening swim of the season.

For the past twelve weeks, since early January, the club has gathered at Ōrewa North every Thursday evening to enjoy the open water and foster a love for ocean swimming.

The series catered to a diverse group of participants, with adult swimmers tackling a set course, tailored to individual fitness levels and abilities.

Adding to the excitement, the club introduced a Kids Swim Run event, which provided young swimmers with a safe and enjoyable introduction to ocean swimming and multi sports.

The children swam in shallow waters close to shore, where they could always touch the ground, while parents walked alongside them to provide encouragement and support.

The Thursday evening swim series will now take a seasonal break. However, swimmers will remains active during the colder months, shifting focus to group swims that continue through winter. 

Now officially registered as Ocean Swim Club Manatōpū Inc., the club’s leadership includes President Mike Mander, who envisions a welcoming space for swimmers of all levels. "Our goal is to provide a social and fun experience for everyone—no matter your age or ability—to get out there, get fit, and have fun."
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Looking ahead, the Ocean Swim Club is enthusiastic about expanding its reach and welcoming even more swimmers to experience the joy of ocean swimming. The club aims to create more opportunities for individuals and families to connect with the sea, build confidence in open water, and cultivate a supportive swimming community on the Hibiscus Coast and the greater city of Auckland.

​The next major event is the club championships on the last Sunday of April. New members and social swimmers are encouraged to stay connected for future updates.

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