A new kind of “wellbeing triathlon” is coming to Hamilton Gardens, inviting locals to walk, dance and do yoga in a threehour experience focused on mental health and community connection.

Wellathlon will run across two sessions on Saturday 21 March (5.45pm - 9pm) and Sunday 22 March (6.45am - 10am), set within the Enclosed Gardens and the Entry Precinct at Hamilton Gardens. Created by Taurangabased occupational therapist, yoga teacher and life coach Sophie Lister.

Wellathlon is designed for people who may not see themselves as “sporty”, but still want to move their bodies, boost their mood and meet others in a lowpressure setting.

“So many people tell me they feel they’re ‘not fit enough’ or ‘not flexible enough’ to try a class,” Sophie says. “Wellathlon is about changing that story. If you can walk, sway to music and lie down on a yoga mat, you’re welcome. It’s about connection, not competition.”

There are three sessions as part of the event: walk, dance, and yoga.

Each Wellathlon session runs for three hours and includes:

1. Walk and Talk (1 hour)
   A guided, mindful walk through the Hamilton Gardens Enclosed Collection, with time to talk, slow down and enjoy the surroundings.
2. Dance It Out (1 hour)
   A soberfriendly dance session led by DJ HiVibe, who blends world beats and Brazilianinspired rhythms to gently build from relaxed movement to fullenergy dancing. No choreography, no mirrors, no pressure.
3. Yoga Flow (1 hour)
   A gentle yoga practice with Sophie to wind down, stretch and reset before heading home. The focus is on relaxation and accessibility rather than physical difficulty.

Hamilton Gardens Director, Lucy Ryan, said the event adds another layer to how people experience one of Kirikiriroa’s bestloved public spaces.

“I get a lot of joy seeing how people use the Gardens in their own ways. Wellathlon is another example of the space being enjoyed for movement, connection, and just feeling good.”

Tickets and details

Tickets are $55 per person, with a 10% discount for healthcare professionals in recognition of the pressure many are under and the importance of looking after their wellbeing.

Participants are encouraged to bring:

• comfortable clothing and walking shoes
• water bottle and snacks
• yoga mat (loan mats available on request)
• raincoat and spare clothes in case of wet weather

Event details:

• What: Wellathlon – a threepart wellbeing experience (walk, dance, yoga)
• When: 

Saturday 21 March 2026, 5.45pm - 9pm

Sunday 22 March 2026, 6.45am - 10am

• Where: Hamilton Gardens, Enclosed Gardens area
• Tickets: $55pp, 10% discount for healthcare professionals
• Bookings: Via the Hamilton Gardens website or by scanning the QR code on Wellathlon posters around the gardens.

About Wellathlon

Wellathlon is a movementbased wellbeing experience created by Tauranga-based practitioner Sophie Lister. With a background in occupational therapy, yoga and coaching, Sophie created Wellathlon to make movement more welcoming for people who feel intimidated by gyms or traditional fitness events.

About Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most visited public gardens, known for its immersive themed collections that transport visitors through different times, cultures and stories. The Outer Gardens are free for everyone to enjoy, with ticketed entry to the Enclosed Gardens for visitors from outside Hamilton. Local residents can apply for a MyGardens resident pass, providing free entry for the year.

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