The Rotorua Adaptive Tri begins with a wheels leg, followed by a run or walk, and concludes with a swim, offering young athletes a complete triathlon experience in a modified format. The Rotorua Triathlon organizes this event at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre each November for children and young people aged 5 and older from the Bay of Plenty region who have physical or intellectual disabilities. It is designed for participants who might face challenges with a standard triathlon, featuring adjusted distances and equipment to enable their involvement for their school.
There are three challenge levels: Kākano includes approximately 400 m on wheels, 100 m for running/walking, and a 30 m swim; Tipu increases these to about 600 m, 300 m, and 50 m respectively; Rākau extends to approximately 800 m, 500 m, and 80 m. The wheels portion accommodates adaptive bikes, scooters, wheelchairs, or other appropriate equipment, and the run/walk can also be modified. All participants who finish are awarded a medal, and the event concludes with a prizegiving ceremony and a community BBQ.