Kia Orana,

We can't believe it's been a month since the 31st edition the Air New Zealand Rarotonga Triathlon. It was a very special week where we got to show off our triathlon playground, reconnect with the #rarotrifamily and welcome newbies to the clan!  

What an AMAZING week it was! Once again we want to thank all that made the week happen including the CITA Committee, sponsors, volunteers, athletes and their supporters. Mietaki Ma’ata. We also want to acknowledge all those that have helped make this event what it is over the many years.

The 32nd edition entries for 2026 are coming in hot, we have more entries now than we have had at this time for many years. Remember we are restricted to 100 Internationals. Don’t miss out, 2026 will be EPIC!

 Lock in your spot now by clicking REGISTER! 

 If you have already booked for 2026, there is some info below to enhance your experience in 2026.

 For 2026 we plan to keep most things the same as they already work so well. Please watch these updates for any changes and also, as #rarotrifamily let us know of anything you would like to see.

The Edgewater Resort and Spa remains the best place to stay on the island as it's our event hub with the CITC Boiler Swim Awards and Welcome Dinner Buffer + the Air New Zealand Rarotonga Triathlon Awards and Dinner Buffet +  the Ride Rarotonga Tour de Raro and Farewell Dinner Buffet. All these are covered in the cost of your race entry. 

Additionally thanks to our friends at Ride Rarotonga we will have transport for your bike to/from both the Air New Zealand Rarotonga Triathlon + the Ride Rarotonga Tour de Raro.

 All dates and times given are in Cook Islands Time (CIT).

• Thursday 30th Apr 2026 - CITC Boiler Swim 4:30pm Trader Jack’s Avarua Township
• Thursday 30th Apr 2026 - Pasta Dinner 7:30pm Edgewater Resort & Spa – Arorangi
• Saturday 2nd May 2026 - Air New Zealand Rarotonga Triathlon 1:30pm Tikioki Triathlon Site
• Sunday 3rd May 2026 - Prize Giving Awards Dinner 4:30pm Edgewater Resort & Spa – Arorangi
• Monday 4th May 2026 - Hash House Harriers Fun Run and Island Feast 5:00pm
• Tuesday 5th May 2026 - Ride Rarotonga Cycle Race 4:30pm Avarua Township
• Tuesday 5th May 2026 - Post Race BBQ and final get together 7pm Edgewater Resort & Spa – Arorangi 

Many triathlon visitors have added the award winning Ariki Adventure Turtle Tour to their race week experience over the years. With the week already so busy and people finding that when they get to the island it's too late to book we want to get people to book before they arrive in Rarotonga. The idea is to have as many of us as possible enjoy this amazing experience swimming with turtles.

The best option for the tour is on the Friday with times dedicated by the tides. Please watch our socials and future editions on how to book this add-on to the week.

Thanks to Ariki Adventures we are thrilled to announce that 10% of every booking will be used to plant trees in the North Islands of the Cook Islands. The gender of turtles is determined by the temperature in the sand so more trees are needed to make sure that more male turtles are born!

Click here (www.arikiadventures.com) for more information on Ariki Adventure tours.

2026 Entries Are OPEN and coming in fast!

The cost for entry for an individual for the 2026 Air New Zealand Rarotonga Triathlon Festival is $399 NZD and includes race entry and meals, race bag with lots of goodies, amazing experience and memories, a chance to catchup with old friends and make new ones + so much more!!!

See you all in 2026 for the 32nd edition but feel free to come back to our playground anytime, please contact us as we may be able to play too.

Share the Love!

Please share this with anyone that you think maybe interested in joining us in 2026.

Click HERE to sign-up to our newsletter so you dont miss out on future updates.

Many thanks to our key sponsor Air New Zealand who have been supporting us since day dot until now. 31 years of support!

Thanks from the Cook Island Triathlon Association Committee.

For more information visit our website or drop us an email (rarotongatriathlon@gmail.com).

Meitaki,

Rarotonga Triathlon Association

Cook Islands Triathlon Association, Rarotonga, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands