Top endurance athlete takes up Niue's adventure challenge

He may never have been there before, but top endurance athlete Nathan Fa’avae is looking forward to taking on new adventures in Niue as the tiny nation’s ambassador for its triathlon-style Rockman Series.

Nathan has climbed, biked, paddled and hiked his way through life and around the planet so far, but he’s never been to ‘The Rock’, a coral atoll in the Pacific known for its friendly people, crystal clear water and endless avenues for adventure.

Nelson-based Nathan will be in Niue to help and encourage kids between the ages of 7 – 14 years old for the Junior Rockman Anchor Cup in April, inspire adults taking part in the adults Rockman event in May, and get on his bike for the Ride the Rock cycling challenge in June.

A semi professional or full time professional athlete for 16 years, Nathan has represented New Zealand at four different sports and attended 12 World Championships over that time, and Niue Tourism is delighted to have him as an ambassador.

“We are just so lucky that someone of Nathan’s calibre will be joining us on ‘The Rock’ for these and potentially other events. He epitomises endurance and adventure, and we’re delighted that he’ll be able to share his experiences and inspire amateurs and athletes alike,” says Niue Tourism Chief Executive Felicity Bollen.      


Photo courtesy of Wright Communications

In keeping with his life philosophy that ‘It’s about the Adventure’, Nathan is taking his three children with him to Niue to compete in the Junior Rockman Anchor Cup.

“It’s really about getting out there and giving it a go, testing yourself and living the most adventurous life you can. For those who have done triathlon before, and others who are trying it out for the first time, it will be a real experience,” he says.

The inaugural Junior Rockman Anchor Cup is a kids triathlon event in Niue on April 20 and 21, with three fun events separated into age groups – 7-10 and 11-14 years old. The 7-10 year olds will compete in a 30 metre swim and 1km run, while the 11-14 year olds will compete in a 100 meter swim and 2km run. There will be a Niuean flare to this kids triathlon with competitors versing one another in coconut bowling (Olo Fua Niu) and young coconut javelin throwing (Ta tika Pona Niu).

The Rockman is Niue’s competitive triathlon over the course of three days from May 16 to 19. Competitors will have the option to complete individual events in a 10km run, 30km bike and 1km swim, or a full triathlon one day. Not many can say they have competed in a triathlon the length of a country.


Photo courtesy of Wright Communications

Nathan Fa’avae and Season One NZ Bachelor Art Green will both take place in Niue’s annual cycling race, Ride the Rock. The event is spread across two days, from June 6 to 8. The first race consists of a rally in five different stages with the second a socially competitive race over 60km around the entire island.

While Nathan is enthused about the Rockman Series, he also keen to check out other activities on Niue, including swimming, fishing and snorkelling in the 80-metre visibility water and hiking through the unique coral terrain covered in native bush.

To find out more about the Rockman Series, how to enter and packages please visit www.niueisland.com.