The Great Waka Ama Race
The annual race sees teams paddle outrigger canoes around Ōkahu Bay, with amazing views across Tāmaki Makaurau's harbor.
On this page:
Race details
The annual Great Waka Ama sees students paddling in outrigger canoes across Tāmaki Makaurau's iconic surroundings. Teams paddle a carefully planned course around Ōkahu Bay three times, before heading towards the finish line.
Date: Saturday 21 March 2026
Location: Hyundai Marine Sports Centre, Ōkahu Bay
Time: 9.30am-1pm
Race course
The course map for 2026 will be available soon. Keep an eye out for updates on this webpage in the coming weeks!
Race participation
There will be two races in 2026. This year we are introducing The Novice Race, which is for newcomers to the sport.
The Novice Race
Perfect for Waka Ama beginners. Race in a 12-person waka with a steerer provided. Teams may have up to 11 team members, with a maximum of three non-University of Auckland students or staff permitted. You must register as a team, not individually.
The Great Race
Race in a six-person waka as part of a faculty-based team. Each team may have up to 12 members, with no more than two staff included.
Ready to take on The Great Race? Submit your expression of interest to train and try out this year.
About Waka Ama
Waka Ama, or outrigger canoeing, has long been part of life and culture across the Pacific. It sits within a powerful history of waka sailing and ocean voyaging. In Aotearoa, many Māori trace their origins to ancestors who journeyed here by waka.
Waka Ama reflects identity, pride and community, and is guided by tikanga or the values, practices and beliefs of te ao Māori. These principles sit closely alongside Sport and Recreation values of:
- Whanaungatanga: connection, working together and building relationships
- Hauora: health and wellbeing, supporting what it takes to feel alive
- Puāwaitanga: flourishing, growing and becoming the best version of yourself.
Waka Ama is a powerful way to support students to connect, belong and thrive.
2025 results
| Place | Team |
|---|---|
| 1st | Te Herenga Auaha, Faculty of Engineering and Design |
| 2nd | Ngā Tauira Māori |
| 3rd | Te Wāhanga Ture, Faculty of Law |
| 4th | He Manga Tauhokohoko, Faculty of Business and Economics |
| 5th | Te Pūtahi Mātauranga, Faculty of Arts and Education |
| 6th | Mātauranga Hauora, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences |