The Great Waka Ama Race
The annual Great Waka Ama Race sees students paddle for the chance to represent Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland at the largest outrigger canoe race in the world!
The Great Waka Ama Race combines paddling and running across Tāmaki Makaurau's iconic surroundings. Teams paddle a course around Okahu Bay, run the length of Okahu Bay beach twice, before returning to the water for the final paddle section. The winning team will travel to Hawai'i to represent the Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland at the Queen Lili’uokalani Canoe Race in September. This 30km six-person race is the largest outrigger canoe race in the world.
Our 2024 event was a huge success, with the teams taking on the course at Okahu Bay on a beautiful sunny day in Auckland!
After a demanding paddle-run-paddle course, Engineering Eagles came out on top, pipping Arts Alligators to the finish line by a matter of seconds!
To get involved with Waka Ama, reach out to the Waka Ama club. For information on our Great Waka Ama race for 2025, please check back later this year.
2024 Race Course:
2024 Results
| Team | |
|---|---|
| 1st | Engineering Eagles |
| 2nd | Arts Alligators |
| 3rd | Ngā Tauira Māori |
| 4th | Law Lions |
| 5th | FMHS |
| 6th | Science Spartans |
| 7th | Business School |
| 8th | Creative Arts |
| 9th | Waikato University |