The Great Waka Ama Race

The Great Waka Ama Race combines paddling and running across Tāmaki Makaurau's iconic surroundings. Teams paddle a course around Ōkahu Bay, run the length of Ōkahu Bay beach twice, before returning to the water for the final paddle section.

Our 2025 event was a huge success, with the teams taking on the course on a beautiful sunny day in Auckland. Congratulations to the Engineering Eagles for winning for the third year in a row. Second place went to the Ngā Tauira Māori team, with the Law Lions rounding out the top three. Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and cheered the teams on.

The Engineering Eagles are now preparing for Hawai’i to represent the University of Auckland at the Queen Lili’uokalani Canoe Race later this year. This 30km six-person race is the largest outrigger canoe race in the world.