Helping athletes get to the Coast to Coast

Interislander is proud to flex our sponsorship muscles for the Kathmandu Coast to Coast event, New Zealand's premier multi-sport challenge.

This sponsorship, plus discounted fares for competitors, underscores our commitment to supporting athletes who test themselves against some of the most demanding terrain and conditions our country has to offer.

About the Coast to Coast

The Kathmandu Coast to Coast is a gruelling event spanning 243 kilometres, starting in Kumara on the West Coast and finishing at New Brighton Beach Pier in Christchurch. Involving running, rock-hopping, kayaking and cycling, this race is a rite of passage for many Kiwis and a top event for elite athletes worldwide.

How we support the Coast to Coast

Interislander is deeply connected to the spirit of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast. We understand the intense effort, determination, and dedication required to compete. As a sponsor, we take great pride in helping athletes get to the start line.

We sponsored Campbell Gray again in 2026. See Campbell’s story.

“The Kathmandu Coast to Coast is proud to associate with the Cook Strait Interislander ferries. In New Zealand there are two iconic crossings, the first being the Coast to Coast Multisport Event and the second being the Interislander Cook Strait crossing. We thank the Interislander team for getting our athletes safely from the North Island to the South Island for over 40 years! ”

Glen Currie, race director

Event dates for Kathmandu Coast to Coast 2027

The 2027 Kathmandu Coast to Coast will happen on 12 and 13 February. We enjoyed supporting this incredible event and witnessing the triumphs of all the athletes who take on this remarkable challenge. For more information about the event, visit Coast to Coast.

Campbell-Gray-Kayaking — Kayaking is a strong race leg for Campbell

Campbell Gray's Coast to Coast Journey

Campbell Gray has stunned with an epic come back in the ultimate in 2026 Kathmandu Coast to Coast race. He's wrapped up the 2026 race “chuffed to right the wrongs of last year.”

He ended up breaking 12 hours and taking first place in the men’s 18-39 age group.

In 2025, he finished 16th out of 222 competitors in a time of 12:58:24 as he took on the single-day, non-stop endurance race, which includes biking, running, and kayaking through stunning, yet punishing landscapes.

Known as one of New Zealand's most gruelling adventure races, The Longest Day takes competitors across 243km of rugged terrain from the West Coast to Brighton Beach in Christchurch, all in one day.

In February 2024, he took 3rd place in his category of the two-day event.

Interislander has sponsored Campbell for three years, helping him with his fee and travel.