A group of children wearing yellow shirts and race bibs gather for a group photo outdoors. They appear to be participating in a charitable or sports event. The background features trees and buildings, and some participants are holding balloons.
Calling all...

Schools

Join us for Southern Cross Round the Bays 2026 and take up our FREE Schools Package offer!

Round the Bays is a great way for you and your students to get active, put the fun into exercise and take part in this iconic New Zealand event series.

The 8.4km course is flat and everyone is welcome to take part at their own pace, making it easy for your whole school to be involved.

Plus you can create your own fundraising page and fundraise for your school. Are you in?

Deadline for schools entries
Wellington - 3.00pm Friday 6 February
Christchurch - 3.00pm Friday 13 February
Auckland - 3.00pm Friday 27 February

Be part of the action

Enjoy a morning of fun with thanks to Southern Cross!

We supply the backdrop and Schools Package after-party, you bring the colour and life. There will be entertainment along the course, a finisher’s medal, official race cap and kai in the Schools Zone for you all to enjoy free of charge.

The Schools Package includes:

- 30 FREE entries for students
- 5 FREE entries for teachers, parents and/or caregivers
- 35 FREE caps for you all to wear on the day
- Finisher's medal for everyone who crosses the finish line
- Access to the Southern Cross Schools Zone
where you can celebrate together post race
-
FREE kai post race provided by our schools catering partner
- Downloadable certificate to remember your day
- Bibs and caps couriered to your school before event day
- FREE transport to and from the finish line (subject to location)*

Our Schools Package is open to rangatahi at intermediate and secondary schools, year 7 and above (subject to eligibility).

* Auckland schools: free transport on AT buses and trains and event shuttles; Wellington schools: free transport on dedicated private coaches (subject to eligibility); Christchurch schools: free event shuttles to the start line and from the finish line.

Round the Bays events

An illustration of a bridge over water

Wellington

8.4km and 21km event
2026 dates coming soon ....
An illustration of a bridge over water

Christchurch

8.4km event
2026 dates coming soon ....  
An illustration of a bridge over water

Auckland

8.4km event
2026 dates coming soon ....  
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