The Tauranga Half is one of New Zealand’s most iconic middle-distance triathlons, set in the stunning coastal region of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty. Renowned for its friendly atmosphere, world-class organization, and spectacular scenery, the event attracts athletes from across New Zealand and around the world. Participants experience a challenging yet rewarding course featuring a swim in the pristine waters of Pilot Bay, a scenic bike ride through rolling countryside, and a picturesque run along the beautiful Mount Maunganui coastline. Beyond race day, Tauranga offers golden beaches, vibrant cafés, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable New Zealand hospitality. With Explor42, athletes and their families can enjoy a seamless race-cation experience, combining triathlon, travel, and exploration in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations. Whether you are chasing a personal best or your first half-distance finish, Tauranga Half delivers an exceptional endurance experience.
IMPORTANT - This is an independent, self-guided travel and race experience. There will be no Explor42 representative or on-ground support team in Tauranga. Participants are responsible for airport transfers, local transportation, bicycle transportation and assembly, registration, bib collection, equipment checks, bike check-in, race briefing and travel to and from the event venue.
Athletes must check the official Mount Festival of Multisport website, organiser emails and final race manual for confirmed timings, compulsory requirements, transition access, start and finish locations, road closures and schedule changes.
✅ 4-Night Stay near Mount Maunganui
✅ Daily Breakfast
✅ Guaranteed Race Entry
✅ Nomad eSim
✅ Athlos Agile T-Shirt
✅ Visa Assistance
❌ International or Domestic flights
❌ Visa
❌ Lunch & Dinner on all days (available at hotel)
❌ Personal Expenses and Shopping
❌ Travel and Medical Insurance
❌ Bike Logistics, Assembly & Repair
❌ Optional tours and Activities
❌ Alcoholic Beverages
Trinity Wharf Tauranga is a premium over-water hotel with a conference venue and restaurant located on the edge of Tauranga CBD in the beautiful Bay of Plenty. It is built across three piers extending over Tauranga Harbour, creating a uniquely tranquil experience with panoramic water views, floor-to-ceiling glass, and spaces designed to help you slow down and unwind. Marine life can often be seen in the shallows beneath the hotel. It offers Guest rooms to overwater suites, each space feels calm, considered and connected to its surroundings. Harbour views, natural textures, and thoughtful details create a stay that feels quietly elevated. Explor42 athletes will stay in comfortable, spacious and modern Urban rooms, offering a variety of urban and partial harbour outlooks. These guest rooms offer value for money, without compromising on quality.
Arrive in Tauranga and make your own way to Trinity Wharf Tauranga, a premium over-water hotel located beside Tauranga Harbour and close to the city centre. Airport transfers and bicycle transportation are not included and must be arranged independently. After checking in, settle into your comfortable and spacious Urban Room, offering an urban or partial-harbour outlook. Take some time to enjoy the hotel’s waterfront setting and panoramic harbour views. Inspect your bicycle and equipment carefully, particularly if the bike has travelled in a box or case. Reassemble the bicycle where required and check the brakes, gears, tyres, wheels, pedals and electronic components. Athletes who are not comfortable assembling or inspecting their own bicycles should contact Explor42 team in advance for arranging assistance from a local bike shop or qualified mechanic. Use the remainder of the day to familiarise yourself with the hotel, surrounding Tauranga CBD, nearby supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and transport options. Save the hotel address and event venue on your phone. If you feel comfortable after travelling, take a relaxed walk along the Tauranga waterfront. Keep the activity gentle and avoid a demanding training session. Use the evening to hydrate, enjoy a familiar meal and review the latest athlete information. There will be no Explor42 welcome meeting or briefing. All official race information must be obtained directly from the event organiser.
Begin the morning with an optional short shake-out run from the hotel or an easy bicycle spin. Trinity Wharf’s waterfront location provides a pleasant setting for light movement, but athletes should select a safe route and remain aware of traffic and shared pathways. Keep the session relaxed and use it to check that your equipment is functioning correctly rather than adding any meaningful training load. An optional swim should only be undertaken at an authorised swimming area when conditions are safe. Do not swim alone or enter unfamiliar water without understanding the tides, currents and local safety guidance. Travel independently from Trinity Wharf Tauranga to the registration and event precinct in Mount Maunganui. The Pilot Bay–Mount Maunganui area is approximately 7 km from the hotel. Under normal conditions, the journey is relatively short by road, but athletes should allow additional time for traffic, parking restrictions and event-related activity. Complete race registration and bib collection at the venue and time specified by the organiser. Carry your registration confirmation, photographic identification and any compulsory documentation. Check that your race number, timing chip and athlete information are correct. Complete bicycle check-in and any mandatory equipment inspection according to the official schedule. Familiarise yourself with the transition area, swim entry, bike mount and dismount lines, run exit and finish area. Attend or review the official race briefing and note any changes concerning the course, weather, water conditions or road closures. Return independently to Trinity Wharf Tauranga and prepare your swim, bike and run equipment. Organise your wetsuit, goggles, swim cap, helmet, cycling shoes, running shoes, nutrition, hydration, race belt, sunscreen and post-race clothing. Charge your electronic devices and set your alarms. Have an early, familiar dinner and aim for a restful night.
Wake up with sufficient time for a familiar pre-race breakfast, hydration and final preparation. Confirm early-breakfast availability with Trinity Wharf Tauranga in advance if you need to eat before the hotel’s regular breakfast service. The Tauranga Half event precinct, including the expected start and finish area around Pilot Bay and Mount Maunganui, is approximately 7 km from Trinity Wharf Tauranga. Athletes must make their own way from the hotel to the event venue. There will be no Explor42 race-day transfer, representative or assistance at the hotel, transition area, start or finish. Arrange a taxi, private vehicle or another suitable form of transport in advance. Road closures and parking restrictions are expected around Mount Maunganui, so allow considerably more travel time than the distance would normally require. On arrival, follow the organiser’s instructions for transition access, body marking, timing-chip checks and final equipment preparation. Check your tyre pressure, nutrition and hydration, and ensure that your helmet and all compulsory equipment comply with race regulations. The Tauranga Half comprises a 2 km swim, 90 km bike and 21.1 km run. Manage your effort, hydration and nutrition according to your personal race plan. Follow all course signage, marshal instructions and traffic-management regulations. After crossing the finish line, collect your medal and use the Athlete Recovery Lounge where available. Begin rehydrating and refuelling, and collect your bicycle and transition equipment only during the organiser’s approved collection period. The finish area is approximately 7 km from Trinity Wharf Tauranga. Arrange your own return to the hotel and expect possible delays due to road closures, event traffic and bicycle transportation requirements. Return to the hotel to rest and recover while enjoying its tranquil harbourfront setting. Celebrate your achievement independently with fellow athletes, friends or accompanying family members.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Trinity Wharf Tauranga and allow your body to recover from the previous day’s race. Begin with hydration and gentle movement. The hotel’s waterfront setting provides a comfortable environment for a slow morning and recovery. Athletes who are recovering well may travel independently to Mount Maunganui, approximately 7 km from the hotel, for a self-guided walk on Mauao. The summit walk offers panoramic views but includes a significant climb and may feel demanding after a long-distance triathlon. Assess your recovery honestly, carry water, wear suitable footwear and check the latest weather and track conditions before starting. A gentler alternative is a walk around the base of Mauao, time at Pilot Bay or a relaxed visit to Mount Maunganui’s beachside cafés. Guests preferring to remain near the hotel may explore Tauranga’s waterfront and CBD or enjoy a leisurely meal at the hotel’s restaurant. Optional water activities may be booked independently, subject to weather, availability and personal recovery. Avoid strenuous activities if you are experiencing significant fatigue, soreness, dehydration or symptoms of illness or injury. All sightseeing, activities, meals and transportation must be arranged independently and will not be accompanied by an Explor42 representative.
Enjoy your final breakfast at Trinity Wharf Tauranga and complete your packing. Check your room carefully for your passport, race medal, timing equipment, electronic devices, chargers, cycling accessories and personal belongings. If travelling with a bicycle, clean and dismantle it carefully before packing. Ensure that the wheels, pedals, tools, helmet and other equipment are securely stored and comply with your airline or transport provider’s requirements. Depending on your departure time, enjoy a final walk along the Tauranga waterfront, relax at the hotel or visit a nearby café in the city centre. Return to the hotel with sufficient time to collect your luggage and bicycle case. Complete the check-out formalities and make your own way to Tauranga Airport, Auckland Airport or your onward destination. Airport transfers are not included, and there will be no Explor42 departure assistance. Allow additional time for travelling with oversized sporting equipment and completing airline bicycle check-in procedures. Depart Tauranga with memories of its beautiful harbour and coastline—and your hard-earned Tauranga Half finisher’s medal.
This document sets out the terms and conditions governing the agreement between you (the “Participant”) and Xplor Miles Sports Event Marketing LLC, a company incorporated in the United Arab Emirates, operating under the brand name explor42 (the “Company”), in relation to the sports event tour package (the “Tour”).
By booking and making payment for the Tour, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these Terms & Conditions.
The Tour package includes a confirmed race entry (marathon bib) or event ticket for the specified event, along with other services such as accommodation, transfers, logistics support, and on-ground assistance, as detailed in your confirmed tour itinerary.
The marathon bib or event ticket is a core and integral component of the Tour package.
A deposit is required to secure your booking. The balance payment must be made no later than 90 days prior to the Tour start date.
Bookings made within 90 days of the Tour start date require full payment at the time of booking.
All prices are quoted per person, unless otherwise stated.
Failure to make payments within the stipulated timelines may result in cancellation of the booking, with applicable cancellation charges.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email. Cancellation charges will apply based on the date the written request is received by the Company:
The cost of the marathon bib, event registration fees, and any related charges are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable under all circumstances.
These non-refundable amounts will be deducted from the total Tour cost before calculating any applicable refund.
Any additional non-recoverable costs incurred by the Company, including but not limited to non-refundable hotel bookings, flights, or third-party services, will also be forfeited.
The Participant acknowledges that participation in endurance sports events such as marathons is physically demanding and may involve inherent risks.
You confirm that you are medically fit to participate and accept full responsibility for your health, fitness, and medical condition. You are strongly advised to consult a qualified medical professional prior to participation.
By booking the Tour, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation, including but not limited to injury, illness, accidents, weather conditions, traffic, course conditions, and interactions with other participants.
4.2 Indemnification
You agree to fully indemnify, defend, and hold harmless explor42, Xplor Miles Sports Event Marketing LLC, its directors, employees, agents, partners, and suppliers from and against any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or related to injury, illness, disability, death, or loss suffered by you before, during, or after the event.
The Participant is solely responsible for obtaining and carrying all required travel documents, including a valid passport, visas, permits, and any mandatory health or vaccination certificates.
The Company shall not be held responsible or liable for failure to obtain appropriate travel documentation or for denial of entry, deportation, or visa rejection.
In the event of visa refusal or denial of entry for any reason, no refund will be provided, and the cancellation policy outlined in Section 3 will apply.
explor42 acts as a facilitator and agent for securing race entries and arranging travel-related services. The Company does not organize, manage, or control the marathon or sporting event itself.
If the event is cancelled, postponed, rescheduled, or materially altered by the official event organizers due to reasons beyond the Company’s control—including but not limited to weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, terrorism, political instability, or government restrictions—no refund will be provided for the marathon bib or any non-recoverable costs.
The Company will make reasonable efforts to recover refundable amounts from third-party suppliers; however, recovery is not guaranteed.
It is a mandatory condition of booking that the Participant obtains comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering marathon participation, trip cancellation, medical expenses, personal liability, and emergency repatriation.
These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Arab Emirates.
Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts of the United Arab Emirates.
By completing your booking and making payment, you confirm your acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.
