NZ Ocean Swim Series Legend of the Lake – February 27th 2027
Experience the Thrill of New Zealand’s Premier Fresh Water Swimming Event
Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or taking on your very first event, Legend of the Lake promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you inspired, challenged, and ready for more. Join us at Lake Tikitapu and write your own chapter in the legend of the Blue Lake.
Swims on offer:
- Round the Lake – 3.5km (LONG Ocean Swim Series points event)
- RotoVegas – 1.5km (MID Ocean Swim Series points event)
- RotoVegas – 500m
- OceanKids – 100m and 200m (ages 5–12)
- Swim The Night - see details below
Key Event Information
Event Schedule
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 7:00 AM | Round the Lake 3.5km registration (by the Rotorua Water Ski Club) |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 8:45 AM | Round the Lake 3.5km compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 9:00 AM | START – Round the Lake 3.5km |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 9:00 AM | RotoVegas 1.5km, 500m and OceanKids registrations and swim pack pick-up |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 11:05 AM | RotoVegas 1.5km compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 11:15 AM | START – RotoVegas 1.5km |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 11:35 AM | RotoVegas 500m compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 11:45 AM | START – RotoVegas 500m |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 11:55 AM | OceanKids compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 12:00 PM | START – OceanKids event |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 12:15 PM | Cut-off for 3.5km, 1.5km and 500m |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 12:30 PM | Prizegiving |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 7:00 PM | Swim The Night 2km registration |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 7:30 PM | Swim The Night 2km check-in |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 7:45 PM | Swim The Night 2km compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 27th February 2027 | 8:00 PM | START – Swim The Night 2km |
Pricing
| Event | Age | Super Earlybird | Earlybird 1 | Earlybird 2 | Standard | Event Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 1 – May 31 | 1 Jun – 2 Aug | 3 Aug – 4 Oct | 5 Oct – Event Day | Event Day | ||
| Round the Lake 3.5km | 12 yrs + | $99 | $109 | $114 | $124 | $134 |
| RotoVegas 1.5km | 10 yrs + | $65 | $75 | $80 | $85 | $90 |
| RotoVegas 500m | 10 yrs + | $55 | $65 | $70 | $75 | $80 |
| Swim The Night – 2.5km Night Swim | 16 yrs + | $89 | $99 | $109 | $119 | $150 |
| Banana Boat OceanKids 100m / 200m | 5–12 yrs | FREE | ||||
|
Te Arawa Lakes Trust Beneficiaries receive 25% off entry. Email consent@tearawa.iwi.nz for your code. |
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Biosecurity New Zealand
To prevent the spread of the freshwater clam, Biosecurity New Zealand will be implementing the ‘Check Clean Dry’ procedure for everyone entering Lake Tikitapu.
Following the procedure is a requirement of the event.
You must follow the steps when you move between lakes and rivers: CHECK, CLEAN, DRY PROCEDURE
Safety
All New Zealand Ocean Swim Series events are patrolled by trained lifeguards and first aid qualified personnel who are present to assist you at all times.
Bag storage
Bag storage area
An area designated to store gear bags will be available for all participants while you swim. This will be situated at the main event site at Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake). You will need to bring your own small bag. Please remember, this is an ‘all care, no responsibility service’, please do not pack valuable items.
Parking
Car parking
Parking on the reserve areas at Lake Tikitapu can be interesting if there has been rain in the lead up to the event. We urge you to take care and please drive slowly when entering these car parks. Always follow the directions of the event crew, they are there to assist you!
Please do not park down the drive near the toilet block. These parks will be used for emergency vehicles and disability parking.
3.5km Legend of the Lake Course
1.5km RotoVegas Course
500m RotoVegas Course
Ocean Kids Swim Course
Top swimming tips
-
Clear goggles for sighting
Use clear goggles to help with sighting and navigation in open water. This makes it easier to spot landmarks and stay on course. Thi8s means a new pair that has clear lens or add anti fog to them so you can see. 90% of peoples issues sighting is there technique and goggles. -
Swim drafting saves energy
Position yourself behind or beside another swimmer to reduce drag and save up to 10% of your effort. This technique is especially useful in longer swims. -
Beginners: let faster swimmers go
If you're new to swimming, don't feel pressured to keep up with faster swimmers. Take your own time and focus on your technique and comfort. -
Less is more
Focus on efficiency rather than speed. Smooth, controlled strokes will get you further with less fatigue than frantic movements. -
Start slow and build into it
Begin your swim at a comfortable pace and gradually increase your intensity. This helps prevent early fatigue and allows your body to warm up properly.
Swim the Night!
Swim The Night 2km - is not a race, its a SwimXxperience
Introducing a brand new SwimXperience: Swim the Night
This is something truly special.
Swimmers will take on a 2km course around the lake, experiencing the water in a completely different way — at night on the beautiful Lake Tikitapu. Each participant will wear a personal safety tow float with a light inside, attached securely to their waist, creating a glowing trail of swimmers moving quietly across the lake.
Note, tow floats are mandatory for the night swim.
At times along the journey you’ll even have the chance to roll onto your back, float, and look up at the star-filled Rotorua sky, taking in the calm, the silence, and the magic of the lake at night before continuing your swim around the course.
Guided by lights along the route and supported by full lifeguard safety on the water, this event is designed to be both safe and unforgettable. As the lake reflects the night sky and swimmers move through the water in glowing lines of light, the experience becomes something truly unique.
It’s exhilarating, peaceful, and unlike anything most swimmers will have ever done before.
If you’re looking for something memorable, a little adventurous, and a story you’ll tell for years to come, Swim the Night is your chance to do exactly that.
Swim with glow sticks and neon lights at Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), Rotorua — as the water comes alive beneath you.
Float on your back, lights glowing around you, and take a moment to look up at the stars above. Surrounded by darkness, reflections, and silence, it’s a completely different kind of swim.
For many, it will be their first time swimming in the dark — and it’s an experience you won’t forget. Strictly Limited to 200 Swimmers
Swim the Night Course (Limited to 200 Swimmers)
Swim The Night - Swim Map
This is an easy 2km (or less) swim, taking around an hour at a leisurely pace. You can get out whenever you like — but the real magic is when we stop, float on our backs, and take it all in. Most people have never experienced this… lying back, drifting, and just relaxing in the water under the sky.
Strictly Limited Spaces of 200 max
