Sport

Sport is an integral part of education and lifestyle in the Tauranga region. Secondary school level sports cover the full range of sporting activity supporting senior competition and representative selection and the region. regularly hosts national competitions.

The Port of Tauranga Half Ironman is one of the major triathlons in New Zealand and a flagship event in the Bay of Plenty. It is the longest-running half-ironman triathlon in New Zealand, with the event held in January. The course takes in all the prime locations at Mount Maunganui – a sea swim in the beautiful and protected Pilot Bay, a four-lap bike course along the beachfront and a two-lap run which takes in a unique circuit around the base track of Mount Maunganui (Mauao), the region’s iconic landmark.

A unique multi-sport attraction, the Kaimai Classic Multi-sport Event, incorporates some of the best scenery in the Bay of Plenty with athletes cycling, kayaking and running 67 kilometres throughout the region. The McLarens Falls to Te Puna race starts with a five-kilometre bush run, followed by a 17-kilometre mountain bike ride, an 11-kilometre scenic kayak and a 23-kilometre road ride. The race culminates with a challenging 11-kilometre run over the mighty Minden, offering athletes a breath-taking view of the Bay of Plenty. This year’s event is expected to be the biggest yet due to the increased interest in triathlon and multi-sport events.

With some of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand, it’s no surprise there are a number of ocean-based sporting competitions regularly hosted in the Bay of Plenty. The More FM Pro Tour International Beach Volleyball makes great use of hot days and Mount Maunganui’s popular Main Beach, showcasing the game at its highest level.

Ocean Fest is an ocean sport programme of events including the Lion Foundation Surf League (elite team and individual events), an offshore paddle race and, every three years, the National Lifesaving Competition.

The region’s ability to attract international sporting events has increased significantly since New Zealand’s first artificial surfing reef has been finished at Tay Street, Mount Maunganui. Designed using sophisticated computer models, the Mount Surf Reef is 250 metres offshore and 0.4 metres below the lowest tide level, providing world class surfing waves for a 50-100 metre ride. The reef also provides a unique marine habitat, which will be the focus for research into multi-purpose benefits. The findings of this research will push New Zealand further ahead in the field of multipurpose reef design and the application of positive coastal technology.