Stuff Group is adding Ōtautahi Christchurch to its iconic Southern Cross Round the Bays fun run, to create the first national Round the Bays series.
The 2025 season will launch in its newest location, Christchurch, on February 2. Wellington will follow two weeks later on February 16, with new course options.
It culminates in the largest participation event in Auckland on Sunday, March 2.
All three locations will have an 8.4km course around the waterfront of the city, and the capital’s event also offers an additional 21.1km half-marathon option. Participants can run, jog, walk or roll the course.
Stuff Events Director Henry McLernon says he’s excited to expand the much-loved Round the Bays brand and host it in the South Island for the first time.
“Round the Bays is New Zealand’s funnest fun run, attracting people from across the motu and the world. I’m so thrilled we can bring this iconic event to Christchurch. People of all ages and fitness stages will love taking in the sights and entertainment along the course that will run from the Christchurch Estuary to the Pier.
“Next year is going to be huge for Stuff Events. We already own and operate some of the country’s most-loved and iconic events – such as Central Districts Field Days and the NZ House & Garden Tours, that pump millions of dollars into local economies and engage Kiwis across the country. The Southern Cross Round the Bays series will deliver even more memorable experiences for participants while supporting business and, importantly, raising money for charity.”
Stuff Brand Connections Managing Director Matt Headland says Stuff’s events business is a
key part of its large-scale, multichannel offering to its commercial partners.
“Stuff Events is an industry leader in supporting and engaging communities and businesses across the country to create unforgettable experiences. The expansion of Southern Cross Round the Bays is an important next step in the accelerating growth of Stuff Events and will have an enormous impact on individuals and business participants, our commercial partners, the fantastic charities who sign up and the local economies of the three cities.”
That Round the Bays is accessible for all fitness stages, and ages, made it an ideal series for Southern Cross to support.
“Southern Cross’ vision is to enable healthier years for more New Zealanders, which is why it’s a natural fit for us to support Round the Bays in Auckland, Wellington, and now Christchurch,” Chris White, Southern Cross Healthcare CEO, says.
“As New Zealand’s largest fun-run series, Round the Bays plays an important role in improving the health and wellbeing of our communities, while bringing thousands of people together to
have fun while keeping active.”
Southern Cross Round the Bays is also a significant fundraiser for New Zealand charities. The event has been instrumental in raising millions of dollars for a wide range of causes.
The 2025 official charity partner for the series will be Make-A-Wish NZ, to help it fund wishes for children living with a critical illness.
Make-A-Wish NZ will receive $ 25,000 plus a $ 40,000 Stuff media package to help promote its work.
Make-A-Wish board chair Struan Abernethy says the Round the Bays partnership will make a palpable difference to the children who need hope and the possibility of their wish being fulfilled.
“There are over 300 very sick Kiwi children who are waiting for their wishes to come true right now. Every single one needs their wish to bring them hope, joy and strength as they navigate their relentless illness,” he says.
“We look forward to building a team of people to fundraise and take part in this iconic series.”
As well as bringing friends, whānau and workmates together and supporting charitable causes, says Headland, the event also presents opportunities for businesses across the country.
“Additionally for businesses, the national series and corporate participation packages available
are an unmissable opportunity to invest in their people’s health and wellbeing, show their
support for charitable causes and potentially encourage some healthy inter-city rivalry among
their teams across the motu,” Headland says.
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