Annual regatta at Lake Rotoiti
Maitahi’s annual regatta – “Tuna e Hoe Ana” (Paddling with the Eels), is a unique alpine waka ama experience at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes.
Maitahi's annual regatta
Dates: 26th & 27th February 2027
All races are held in Kerr Bay, Lake Rotoiti, on a course which has lots of turns. The racing is visible from the shore at all times, so makes for great spectator viewing.
There is racing for singles, doubles and W6 across a range of divisions for both experienced and novice paddlers. Crews can change paddlers between races making it a fun and exciting format.
Regatta schedule
Friday: 4.00 – 7.00pm
Races for one and two-person waka ama (OC1, V1, OC2).
Saturday: 8.00am – 2.00pm, races for six-person waka ama for men’s, women’s, mixed & novice races. Races are followed by dinner and prize giving at 5.15pm.
Sausage sizzle at lunchtime
There will be a BBQ sausage sizzle and T-shirts and caps for sale (cash and internet banking).
Come prepared!
Remember this is an alpine event and the weather can be much colder than at sea level – also we share the lake with sandflies, wasps, and bumble bees – if allergic, please come prepared!
No Dogs, No Drones & No Freedom Camping
Please note that dogs and drones are not permitted in Kerr Bay, as it is in a National Park. Freedom camping is not permitted at the lake (however, there are DOC camping grounds at Kerr Bay and at West Bay). We ask all our paddlers and whanau to respect these DOC rules
Race information & entries
This race maybe sanctioned with Waka Ama NZ. Once we know then the race pack and panui will be available. Your club rep will need to do your club entries.
For more information email the Race Director
Race results
Format for W6 racing
Novices, singles and doubles compete over a 10km course with masters 70 and above doing 5km. There are normally 3 races for the Womens, Mens and Mixed divisions.
- 400m sprint across Kerr Bay
- 7km course around Kerr Bay
- 5km course Kerr Bay
Race Results
Our Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors for their community grants that supported our Annual Regatta, “Tuna E Hoe Ana – paddling with the eels”, at Lake Rotoiti, in 2026.
