The Kathmandu Coast to Coast crosses the South Island on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 February 2027. Competitors run, cycle and kayak 243 km from Kumara Beach on the West Coast, over the Southern Alps and down the Waimakariri River to New Brighton Beach Pier in Christchurch. The Longest Day (all 243 km in one day on Saturday) is the World Multisport Championship. Two Day, relay, tandem and Mountain Run options are also on offer.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- Friday 12 and Saturday 13 February 2027
- Start
- Kumara Beach, West Coast
- Finish
- New Brighton Beach Pier, Christchurch
- Distance
- 243 km of running, cycling and a 70 km kayak on the Waimakariri
- Entry fees
- Longest Day $1,520; Two Day individual $1,520; teams $2,170 to $3,800 (2027 ballot)
- Age
- Longest Day 18+; Tandem 16+
What it is
The Kathmandu Coast to Coast is a gruelling, much-loved multisport race across the South Island, from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific. Competitors run, rock-hop, cycle and kayak 243 km from Kumara Beach on the West Coast to New Brighton Beach Pier in Christchurch. Interislander, a partner, calls it “a rite of passage for many Kiwis and a top event for elite athletes worldwide”. The 2027 race is on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 February.
The events
- The Longest Day (Saturday 13 February): the full 243 km in a single day, and the World Multisport Championship. Individuals only, 18+, with age group and elite categories. Cut-offs are tight, so organisers recommend doing the Two Day event first.
- One Day 3 Person Team (Saturday): one cyclist (who also runs the first stretch off Kumara Beach), one mountain runner and one paddler for the 70 km Waimakariri kayak. Teams start 30 minutes after the individuals.
- Two Day events (Friday and Saturday): the same course over two days, with an overnight camp at Klondyke Corner after the Mountain Run. Individual, school and 2 or 3 person relay options.
- Two Day Tandem: pairs run and bike within 50 m of each other and share a supplied double kayak. 16+.
- Mountain Run (Friday 12 February): the alpine stage as a standalone event.
2027 entry fees through the ballot ranged from $1,000 (Two Day school individual) to $3,800 (Two Day tandem team), with a 2% card fee.
Who it suits
Competitors need serious preparation, including kayaking skills for the river and a lot of training. For everyone else it is a great event to watch. Cheer the start on the West Coast or join the crowds at New Brighton as finishers stagger up to the pier.
Getting there
Kumara is about 25 minutes’ drive from Greymouth (an estimate). New Brighton is in Christchurch’s eastern suburbs, about 20 minutes from the central city.
Where to stay
Competitors’ support crews book Greymouth and Hokitika for the start and Christchurch for the finish well in advance.
What to bring
For spectators: sunscreen, a hat, and a cowbell.
Make a trip of it
Drive the route over Arthur’s Pass, then explore the city with our things to do in Christchurch guide. The route also fits our 14-day South Island road trip.
FAQ
When is the Coast to Coast 2027?
How far is it?
How do you enter?
Where can I watch?
Where do Two Day competitors stay overnight?
Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
