The Bean Rock Swim is an Auckland classic, an iconic open water event that sends swimmers from Mission Bay out to the city’s largest and most recognisable navigational marker, Bean Rock Lighthouse, and back.

Set in the heart of the Waitematā Harbour, this swim offers more than just a fitness challenge, it’s a visual feast. With the dormant volcano Rangitoto Island rising in the distance, the Sky Tower standing tall on the horizon, and sailboats dotted across the harbour, every stroke comes with a postcard view. It’s the kind of swim where you get just as much out of looking around as you do from the finish line buzz.

The course spans open, tidal waters, so it’s best suited for confident and experienced swimmers who can handle distance, navigate mild chop, and thrive in dynamic conditions. Whether you’re chasing a time, training for a marathon swim, or just ticking off a bucket-list swim in Auckland’s blue heart, Bean Rock delivers.

Well-organised, supported by safety crews, and brimming with local spirit, the Bean Rock Swim is more than just a race, it’s a rite of passage for Kiwi ocean swimmers. Expect a solid challenge, clear waters, and a big sense of achievement when you round the lighthouse and power back to shore.