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!

Date Location
Saturday 16 March 2024 Okahu Bay

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 2023 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 FMHS Seabass to the finish line by a matter of seconds! 

See below the course map for our 2024 event:

Waka Ama race map

2023 Results

  Team
1st Engineering Eagles
2nd FMHS Seabass
3rd Ngā Tauira Māori
4th Law Lions
5th Science Spartans
6th Business School
7th Arts Alligators