Wharf to Wharf 2026 | Aotea Great Barrier Island

FAQs

• What race distances are available?

  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

   

• Are there age restrictions?

  • Full Marathon: 18+

  • Half Marathon:

    16+

  • 10 km: ages 10–15 (participants aged 16+ enter the adult category)

  • 5 km Fun Run: Open to all ages

• Can I buy a Wharf to Wharf t-shirt?

  Yes! Official souvenir t-shirts are now available.

  How do I buy one?

  • Via Humanitix: Buy them as an add-on when purchasing tickets.

  • On Race Day: Available for purchase at the event prize giving (limited stock).

  I already bought my ticket. Can I still add a t-shirt?
  Yes. Simply log into Humanitix, select "Get Tickets," and skip straight to the add-on option to purchase your t-shirt directly.

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• 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.

• Getting to Aotea

  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: $179 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.