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Competitor info

Wharf to Wharf Marathon 2026
Competitor Information

 

Great Barrier Island

Saturday 3 October 2026

 

WELCOME

 

Welcome to the Great Barrier Island Wharf to Wharf.

 

Whether you're tackling the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km or 5km Fun Run, thank you for joining us for one of New Zealand's most unique community events.

 

The Wharf to Wharf is proudly organised by Kaitoke School and a dedicated team of volunteers. Every entry helps support educational opportunities for local students while contributing to the Great Barrier Island community.

 

We wish you a safe, enjoyable and memorable event.

 

Event Overview

 

The event showcases the incredible scenery of Aotea / Great Barrier Island, taking competitors through native forest, coastal roads and island communities.

 

Events

  • Full Marathon (Run or Walk)

  • Half Marathon – Track

  • Half Marathon – Road

  • 10km Run/Walk

  • 5km Fun Run

 

Before You Arrive

 

Please ensure you have:

  • Completed your registration

  • Booked any required island transport

  • Booked accommodation

  • Organised ferry or flights

  • Checked the latest event updates

  • Packed all required equipment

 

Race Pack Collection

 

Race packs include:

  • Race Bib

  • Safety Information

  • Transport Information

  • Event Updates

 

Race packs must be collected prior to race day from Kaitoke School.

 

Race Day Checklist

 

Please remember to bring:

  • Race bib

  • Running gear

  • Suitable footwear

  • Warm layers

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Personal medication

  • Water bottle

  • Additional nutrition if required

  • Cash (limited EFTPOS and banking facilities)

 

Competitor Responsibilities

 

All competitors must:

  • Follow all instructions from Event Officials.

  • Remain on the marked course.

  • Obey all road rules.

  • Wear their race bib where it is clearly visible.

  • Report to marshals if withdrawing.

  • Respect other competitors and volunteers.

  • Help protect the island environment.

 

Roads remain open to normal traffic throughout the event.

 

Safety

 

Competitor safety is our highest priority.

 

Please note:

  • The Medical Team has authority to remove competitors if necessary.

  • Aid stations are available along the course.

  • St John will provide medical support.

  • Competitors must carry any required medication.

  • Emergency contact details should be written on the back of your race bib.

All competitors must finish by 4:00 pm.

 

Environmental Care

 

Great Barrier Island is a unique natural environment.

 

Please help us protect it by:

  • Staying on marked tracks.

  • Following all DOC instructions.

  • Cleaning footwear where required.

  • Using designated rubbish and recycling stations.

  • Never littering.

 

Competitors seen deliberately littering may be disqualified.

 

Aid Stations

 

Aid stations provide:

  • Drinking water

  • Sports drinks

  • Lollies

 

If you require additional nutrition, please carry it with you.

 

Baggage

 

Clearly labelled baggage may be transported between designated locations. The Event Committee accepts no responsibility for unlabelled or misplaced items.

 

Event Transport

 

Event transport is not included with your ticket purchase. However, pre-booked shuttle services are available for competitors.

 

Transport includes:

  • Accommodation to race start

  • Finish line to accommodation

 

Transport must be booked by competitors directly with GBI Buses. Please contact Sue Whaanga on gbbuses@xtra.co.nz.

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Getting to Aotea

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Coming from off-island for Wharf to Wharf? Our transport partners are helping make the trip to Aotea a little easier, with special fares available for competitors travelling for race weekend.

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We recommend booking your travel early. October is a busy time on the island and seats, vehicle spaces and on-island transport are limited.

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Fly with Island Aviation

Island Aviation is offering Wharf to Wharf ticket holders $20 off each flight, giving you a $40 saving on a return trip to Aotea Great Barrier Island. Island Aviation flies only from North Shore airport.

Wharf to Wharf fare: $189 one way

Use promo code WharfToWharf when booking.

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Fly with Barrier Air

Barrier Air has added extra flights around race weekend and is offering special fares for Wharf to Wharf competitors.

Wharf to Wharf fare: $240 one way / $480 return

Use promo code W2W26 when booking.

Additional flights have been added on Thursday, Friday and Sunday, with the possibility of further flights being added if demand requires.

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Travel by ferry with SeaLink

Want to bring your car over and make a weekend of it?

SeaLink operates passenger and vehicle ferry services between Auckland and Aotea Great Barrier Island, giving you the option to bring your own vehicle for getting around during your stay.

If you're planning to travel by ferry for Wharf to Wharf weekend, we recommend booking early, particularly if you're bringing a vehicle, as spaces can be limited.

Check sailing times, fares and availability directly with SeaLink when planning your trip.
 

Event Rules

 

To ensure fairness and safety:

  • Registrations are non-transferable.

  • Race categories cannot be changed after registrations close.

  • Children must be supervised by an adult.

  • Walking categories require competitors to maintain continuous ground contact.

 

The Event Committee's decision is final.

 

Withdrawals

 

If you decide not to continue during the event, notify the nearest marshal immediately.

This is essential for your safety.

 

Cancellation Policy

 

Should the event be cancelled due to severe weather, government restrictions or circumstances beyond the organisers' control, refund arrangements will be communicated through the official event channels.

 

Accommodation, flights and ferry bookings remain the responsibility of competitors.

 

Photography

 

Photography and video will be taken throughout the event. Images may be used for future event promotion unless competitors advise otherwise during registration.

 

Prize Giving

 

Join us after the event as we celebrate competitors and volunteers.

 

Awards include:

  • Overall Winners

  • Age Categories

  • Walking Categories

  • Spot Prizes

 

Competitors must be present to claim spot prizes unless otherwise advised.

 

Thank You

The Wharf to Wharf would not be possible without our volunteers, sponsors, emergency services, Department of Conservation, local businesses and the Great Barrier Island community.

Thank you for supporting Kaitoke School.

 

We hope you enjoy your Wharf to Wharf experience and look forward to welcoming you back next year.

 

Contact Us

 

info@wharf2wharf.com 

Kaitoke School

(09) 4290 273

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