Triathlon
TriathlonNew Zealand
IRONMAN New Zealand
Taupō, Bay of Plenty·Date to be confirmed
The southern hemisphere's oldest IRONMAN, raced on the shores of Lake Taupō.
MultisportNew Zealand
Coast to Coast New Zealand
Kumara Beach → Christchurch, South Island·Date to be confirmed·243 km (One Day / Two Day / Team / Longest Day)
Col de Sud is an independent coaching and information platform. Event details may change. Always confirm dates, entry requirements and course information with the official event organiser.
Quick Information
At a glance.
Location
📍 Kumara Beach → Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand
Usually Held
🗓 February
2026 Event Date
Date to be confirmed
Distances
243 km (One Day / Two Day / Team / Longest Day)
Course Type
Multisport (run, bike, kayak)
Difficulty
Advanced
Entries
Opening Soon
Official Website
Last Updated
November 2025
Countdown
Race date to be confirmed
Preparing for this event?
Recommended plan: Multisport Endurance Program.
- ✔First Coast to Coast
- ✔Two Day finish
- ✔Longest Day goal
Overview
The event.
The Kathmandu Coast to Coast is New Zealand's most iconic endurance event. First run in 1983, it crosses the entire South Island — from Kumara Beach on the Tasman Sea to New Brighton Beach on the Pacific Ocean — via 3 km beach run, 55 km road cycle, 33 km mountain run over Goat Pass, 15 km cycle, 70 km kayak on the Waimakariri River and a final 70 km ride into Christchurch. Two Day, One Day and the Longest Day (individual, non-stop) formats accommodate everyone from first-time multisporters to Coast to Coast legends.
A rite of passage in New Zealand endurance sport. The beach start under mountains and the Pacific finish are unforgettable.
Who it suitsExperienced endurance athletes ready to learn kayaking and mountain running. Not a first event.
Distances
243 km (One Day / Two Day / Team / Longest Day)
Course Breakdown
The route.
- Distance
- 243 km — multi-discipline
- Elevation
- ~2,300 m across the mountain run
- Surface
- Beach, sealed road, alpine trail, grade II river
- Major climbs
- Goat Pass on the 33 km mountain run
- Feed zones
- Transition areas and support crew handovers
- Technical sections
- Grade II river kayaking, technical mountain running, self-navigation on the mountain run
Difficulty Snapshot
Col de Sud assessment.
Endurance
Climbing
Technical
Weather exposure
Beginner suitability
General Col de Sud assessment — not an official event rating.
Typical Conditions
What to expect.
- Temperature
- 8–26 °C
- Humidity
- Moderate
- Wind
- Variable
- Rain likelihood
- Possible
- Water temperature
- TBC
- Altitude
- TBC
How to Train
Preparing your body.
Recommended preparation
6–9 months of structured multisport training.
Long sessions
Peak weekend: 5 hour ride + 3 hour mountain run + 3 hour kayak spread across 3 days.
Strength training
Twice-weekly full-body strength, with kayak-specific back and shoulder work.
Recovery
Aggressive fuelling and sleep management; deload every 3–4 weeks.
Course-specific prep
Grade II river training and Goat Pass reconnaissance are essential.
Nutrition practice
Rehearse solid food across 8+ hour multisport days.
Equipment testing
Multisport kayak, mountain running shoes, road bike, transition kit.
Key weekly sessions
- — Long ride
- — Long kayak
- — Mountain run
- — Threshold ride
- — Strength
- — Recovery swim/spin
Race Weekend Guide
Plan your trip.
Travel
Fly to Christchurch (CHC); transport crew and kayak west across the Southern Alps.
Accommodation
Base on the West Coast (Greymouth / Hokitika) for the start; Christchurch for the finish.
Packet collection
Pre-race briefings and kit checks on the West Coast.
Parking
Managed at each transition — follow event instructions carefully.
Public transport
Support crew is essential — recruit them early.
Weather
Late-summer alpine — sun, wind, potential rain across a single day.
What to pack
Full kayaking and mountain kit including PFD, spray skirt, mandatory clothing.
Nutrition
Solid food + gels + electrolyte across 12+ hours for Longest Day athletes.
Recovery
Post-race salt-water Pacific plunge, hot pools, sleep.
Local cafés
Fat Pipi Pizza in Hokitika; C1 Espresso or Little Poms in Christchurch.
After the race
Stay to explore Arthur's Pass, Kaikōura or the Banks Peninsula.
Equipment Checklist
What to pack.
Safety
- Helmet
- ID + emergency contact
Kit
- Cycling shoes
- Rain jacket / gilet
- Gloves (full and half finger)
Nutrition
- Race nutrition (gels, bars)
- Bottles / hydration mix
Mechanical
- Spare tubes x2
- CO₂ inflator + cartridges
- Mini pump
- Multi-tool + tyre levers
Tech
- GPS computer + charger
- Front & rear lights
- Power bank
Comfort
- Chamois cream
- Sunscreen
Frequently Asked
Questions we hear.
Is Coast to Coast suitable for a first-timer?+
The Two Day option is achievable for experienced endurance athletes willing to train specifically. The Longest Day is for advanced multisporters.
How difficult is the kayak leg?+
The Waimakariri is grade II. Riders must complete an approved grade II certification and log training hours.
Do I need a support crew?+
Yes — an experienced support crew handling transitions, food and vehicles is essential.
When is the event?+
Early to mid February each year.
What are the biggest training gaps?+
Kayaking technique and mountain running underfoot skill — both need dedicated coaching.
Col de Sud Coaching
Train for your next mountain.
Preparing for this event? Col de Sud can help you build a realistic plan around your fitness, experience, work and family commitments.
Related Events
You might also consider.
Triathlon
TriathlonNew Zealand
Challenge Wānaka
Wānaka, Otago·Date to be confirmed
Alpine half and full-distance racing in the Southern Lakes.
Running
RunningNew Zealand
Motatapu Off-Road Marathon
Wānaka to Arrowtown, Otago·Date to be confirmed
A remote, high-country off-road marathon across the mountains between Wānaka and Arrowtown.
Off-Road Marathon (42 km) · Trail Half Marathon (21 km) · Ultra Run (51 km)
Last details checked: November 2025