Coast to Coast New Zealand

Coast to Coast

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Sports & AdventureKumara to New Brighton

DatesDates TBA · Usually FebruaryCheck locally before booking

Duration1 dayListed event span

Crowd-Public scale varies

Best forCompetition, enduranceCoast to Coast is one of the original

LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: NZD

CategorySports & AdventureFestival type

The story

Coast to Coast New Zealand in Kumara to New Brighton

Coast to Coast New Zealand is a multisport race crossing the South Island from Kumara Beach on the Tasman Sea to New Brighton Beach in Christchurch on the Pacific. Held each February since 1983, the 243 kilometre course combines running, cycling and kayaking over the Southern Alps via Goat Pass, contested as both a two-day team event and a one-day world championship.

In 1983, Christchurch adventurer Robin Judkins set out to answer a simple question: how quickly could someone cross the South Island of New Zealand using only their own physical effort, from one ocean to the other.

Your trip starts here

What is special

The part that makes it specific.

The place changes

Coast to Coast is one of the original multisport races that helped define the sport internationally, founded in 1983 by Christchurch adventurer Robin Judkins and still run along essentially the same route more than four decades later

The mystery stays covered

Its 243 kilometre course genuinely crosses an entire country coast to coast, combining a mountain run over Goat Pass in the Southern Alps with road cycling legs and a 67 kilometre kayak descent of the Waimakariri River, a combination that makes finishing it a serious athletic achievement regardless of placing

The city starts moving

Unlike most modern triathlon-style events, the race permits drafting on the bike legs

The water draws everyone in

The event's one-day format, known as the Longest Day, doubles as the discipline's world championship, giving the New Zealand race genuine standing among international multisport athletes

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Founded by Robin Judkins in 1983 as a genuine test of crossing New Zealand's South Island under human power

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the race has kept its original coast-to-coast concept intact while growing into an internationally recognised fixture on the multisport calendar

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually February

Getting around

For route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Kumara to New Brighton to work differently.

What to wear

Technical multisport race kit suited to mountain running, road cycling and river kayaking, with layers for rapidly changing alpine weather; competitors typically carry or wear thermal and...

Safety

For Coast to Coast New Zealand, choose safe viewing points, watch weather and leave extra time around starts, finishes or releases.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Kumara to New Brighton you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

NZD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map43.51 S, 172.73 E Open in Google Maps

Kumara to New Brighton, South Island, New Zealand

Nearest airportCHC — Christchurch

TransportFor route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Kumara to New Brighton to work differently.

Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Kumara to New Brighton you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Kumara to New Brighton via local transport.Search routes Find a place to stayStays near Kumara to New Brighton, close enough for the event-day route.Browse stays Find flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for February.Compare fares Festival gearTechnical multisport race kit suited to mountain running, road cycling and river kayaking, with layers for rapidly changing alpine weather; competitors typically carry or wear thermal and waterproof gear as part of mandatory safety equipment.Shop the kit Check visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for New Zealand and apply online.Check entry rules Travel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Coast to Coast New Zealand?

Coast to Coast New Zealand is listed for Past edition: 20 February 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Coast to Coast New Zealand take place?

The festival is listed in Kumara to New Brighton, New Zealand. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Kumara to New Brighton, South Island, New Zealand

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLcoasttocoast.co.nz

Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →

SourceSource link available

Listed datesDates TBA · Usually February

Source statusOfficial source linked

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →

Coast to Coast New Zealand

Coast to Coast New Zealand in Kumara to New Brighton

The part that makes it specific.

The place changes

The mystery stays covered

The city starts moving

The water draws everyone in

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Water and renewal

Essential information

When to go

Getting around

What to wear

Safety

Where to stay

Tickets/cost

Language/currency

Family friendly

Kumara to New Brighton, South Island, New Zealand

Your Trip Starts Here

Quick answers.

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

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