Adventure weekend on Rotorua lakes

president7013
6 days ago
2 min read

At Matariki Weekend, July 2026, a group of rowers from six clubs gathered for two days of rowing adventures on two Rotorua lakes. The weather was kind with blue days starting with cool mornings.

The weekend was coordinated by Christine Hobbs, St George's Rowing Club and Barbara Neale, Rotorua Rowing Club. They created a range of new experiences for the rowers. Coastal boats were hired from Rowing New Zealand and skiffs were provided including two Octuples.

Masters from Auckland, St George's, Bay Coast, Rotorua and Wellington Rowing Clubs

Day One Lake Rotoiti

The first day featured a 5.8 km row to hot pools located right on the edge of the lake. The pools are accessible only by boat. After rigging the boats, the crews were mixed, allowing rowers to familiarize themselves with different boats and teammates. The Manupirua Springs provided a welcome opportunity to warm up after the cool -1°C morning. Before long, most participants accepted the challenge to jump into the chilly Lake Rotoiti water and then warm up again in the pools. The support from the safety boat volunteers was much appreciated.

In the evening, Rotorua Council had organised a drone show to celebrate Matariki. It was spectacular.

Day Two - Around Lake Rotorua

The following day, the same clubs were joined by Whakatane Rowing Club and Rotorua school rowers. The goal was to row the 33 km circumference of Lake Rotorua, with about 50 rowers in total.

Rotorua Rowing Club served as the base. Four safety boats accompanied the rowers, and there were four stops at parks around the lake. These breaks provided a welcome opportunity for refreshments, provided by parents and members of Rotorua Rowing Club. There was a range of boats on the excursion including coastal boats and rowing sculls, including several single sculls and two Octuples. Aside from a broken rudder that needed replacing, there were no mishaps. The support crew drove back to Rotorua to pick up a spare rudder so the crew could continue around the lake. As the day went on, the water gradually settled into glass-like condition which made for idyllic conditions to finish the row.