Coast to Coast - New Zealand
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About the race
The Kathmandu Coast to Coast crosses the South Island from the West Coast at Kumara Beach to the East Coast finish at the New Brighton Pier in Christchurch. The event is run annually in February and combines running, cycling and kayaking across varied terrain.
Key stages include:
- 2.2 km run from Kumara Beach to the bike transition.
- 55 km cycle along the Taramakau valley toward the Main Divide.
- 30 km Mountain Run over the Mingha - Deception Route, including Goat Pass (approx 1070 m elevation).
- 15 km cycle followed by 1.3 km run to the kayak put-in at Mt White.
- 70 km kayak on the Waimakariri River, including a 30 km gorge section with rapids up to Grade 2.
- 70 km final cycle to New Brighton Pier.
The Mountain Run is mainly off-trail with rocky riverbeds, multiple river crossings and nearly 800 m of climbing to Goat Pass; navigation is the competitor’s responsibility and route marking is a mix of Department of Conservation and race-specific markers. Cut-off procedures are in place on both days; missed cut-offs can require evacuation by helicopter and organisers may charge up to $500 for non-emergency flights. River safety notes advise self-rescue capability, awareness of braid and gorge hazards, and that up to 80% of the kayak stage is only accessible by jet boat. Competitors are advised about Giardia in the Bealey River and to follow biosecurity Check, Clean, Dry practices. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
