Lake Whakatipu is home to one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking open water swimming races.

1.0 km – The Grove
A great event for those who can swim, but haven’t yet dipped their toes into open water swimming and are feeling a little unsure.

2.0 km – The Bay
A beach start, you’ll run (paddle maybe) into the turquoise blue. A few gasps as the cold fills your wetsuit and you’re away around the 1.9km course.

3.8 km – The Legend
Legends await. Delivered to the wild side by the infamous Kjet boats. Dive into the blue for a deep water start. Follow the rocky shelf line that guides you, swimming as the abyss disappears sharply below.

5.0 km – Haki-te-Kura
Legend has it that Hakitekura, the daughter of Tuwiriroa, a Katimore chief, was the first to swim across Lake Whakatipu. Now you can follow in her wake.

10.0 km – Whakatipu-wai-Māori
With only a few marathon swim events in the South Island, we have great pleasure in bringing Whakatipu-wai-Māori into the Whakatipu Legend.