Real racing on Tamaki Drive: Mission Bay triathlon

Looking for a triathlon in Auckland where you can turn up, race hard and make a proper morning of it? Put Mission Bay in the calendar. People’s Tri brings Sprint and Olympic racing to the waterfront on 6 December 2026, then returns for the Grand Finale on 16 May 2027.

Choose the distance that gets you excited. Bring the mates who’ll push you, the people who’ll cheer you, or just yourself and a race plan. There’s room for a first finish and an all-out effort on the same start line.

What is the Mission Bay triathlon course like?

You start with a sea swim off Mission Bay beach. Then it’s onto the bike for flat waterfront riding along Tamaki Drive, before the run brings you back towards the race village and the finish. It’s a setting that lets your supporters be part of the morning, with somewhere to catch up afterwards.

Flat doesn’t mean effortless. The wind, your pacing and the distance you choose still make it a proper race. Use the interactive triathlon course map to check your route and lap counts before the day.

Sprint or Olympic: pick your race

Sprint packs the three disciplines into a shorter race. You can settle into your own effort or turn up the pace and see what’s there. Olympic gives you a longer swim, ride and run, with more time to put your preparation to work.

Compare the full race options on the Mission Bay Triathlon event page. You’ll also find the current entry prices and the other formats available that day.

More than the clock at the finish

The effort is yours. The morning is something we all make together: athletes out on the course, supporters on the waterfront and volunteers helping keep things moving.

Your entry includes race timing, a personalised bib, a silicone swim cap and the post-race Barfoot & Thompson BBQ, alongside the aid stations and on-site medical support. Take a look at Tune-Up coaching too: a chance to talk through your plan before the start or your race afterwards.

Mission Bay triathlon dates for 2026–27

• Sunday 6 December 2026: Race 2 at Mission Bay.
• Sunday 16 May 2027: the Mission Bay Grand Finale.

For the rest of your season, Maraetai Beach brings coastal roads and rolling countryside on 8 November 2026 and 21 February 2027. You can compare the two venues or explore a three-race or four-race Series Pass.

Your next start line

Check the race-day schedule, take a look at the course and choose your challenge. Then get your entry sorted. We’ll see you on the waterfront.

Enter the People’s Triathlon Series →