Rotorua Adaptive tri

Thursday 6 November 2025

We are excited to provide an opportunity for Bay of Plenty based Tamariki and Rangatahi with intellectual or physical disabilities represent their school by particpating in a multisport event!

Get ready for the first-ever Rotorua Adaptive Tri!

This inclusive and inspiring multisport event is designed especially for Bay of Plenty tamariki and rangatahi with physical or intellectual disabilities. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive, and fun environment where every participant feels they belong in the sport of triathlon, is celebrated for their efforts, and can take on challenges in their own way.

Our why:

To reduce or remove barriers preventing tamariki or rangatahi with disabilities or access needs from participating in a triathlon.
To provide an opportunity for participants to set and achieve personal milestones.
To offer a chance for tamariki and rangatahi to have fun taking part in triathlon.
To ensure all tamariki and rangatahi are both supported and challenged throughout the day.

The Rotorua Adaptive Tri aims to remove barriers so that everyone can participate.

Open to anyone aged 5 and up who is looking for a challenge, a fun event, and a sense of achievement through triathlon—and who wants to celebrate their school spirit!

The event will feature all three traditional triathlon disciplines, with accommodations to maximise participation. These include varied distances depending on the challenge selected, equipment support, and plenty of encouragement.

Every participant will cross the finish line to a medal and a well‑deserved celebration.

Entry is just $5 per person. We promise an unforgettable day of fun, achievement, and community spirit.

We will collaborate with all individuals, families or kura to adapt and accommodate each tamariki and rangatahi to reach their personal goals.

Date: Thursday 6th November 2025!

Courses

The order of events for all distances will be 'Bike (Wheels), Run, Swim'. You will cross the finish line after the swim.

We have three event to choose from. The decision is up to you. We encourage you to select a distance that will challenge you!

Focusing on the idea that each distance is a step forward in capability and confidence, our events are:

Event 1 - Kākano (Seed) – Small but full of potential.
Event 2 - Tipu (To grow / seedling) – Building skills and strength.
Event 3 - Rākau(Tree) – Standing strong, a full challenge.

Event	Wheels	Run/Walk	Swim
Event 1 - Kākano	2 x Laps (400m)	1 x Short Lap (100m)	1 x Lap (30m)
Event 2 - Tipu	3 x Laps (600m)	1 x Long and 1 x Short (300m)	2 x Laps (50m)
Event 3 - Rākau	4 x Laps (800m)	2 x Long and 1 x Short (500m)	3 x Laps (80m)

Entry Fee & Registration

Entry Fee: $5

Please contact your school to register.

For an entry form and all other enquiries, contact: rotoruaadaptivetri@gmail.com

Race Information

Race Day Schedule

10am - Athletes and Supporters arrive at venue

11am - Event 1 Kākano to start line

11.25am (approx)- Event 2 Tipu to start line once Event 1 Run has concluded

12noon (approx) - Event 3 Rākau to the start line once Event 2 Run has concluded

1pm (approx) - Prize Giving and Celebration BBQ (will take place following the final finisher of Event 3 crosses the finish line)

Times are approx and will be adjusted to enable safe and fair participation.

Volunteers

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Rotorua Adaptive Tri. Events like this rely on community support! We offer a range of volunteer roles—please contact us if you're interested: rotoruaadaptivetri@gmail.com

Health and Safety

To be updated.

Location

Rotorua Aquatic Centre

The event will be based at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre. Located at Kuirau Park, 18 Tarewa Rd, Rotorua 3010

On-site Cafe
Modernized indoor changing rooms, reception, and showers with enhanced accessibility features intended to support better access for all visitors 
Sealed parking