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: 20th & 21st February 2026

This is the first year this race has been sanctioned by Waka ama NZ. We ask for your patience while we get it sorted.

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.

Note: This video was taken before Lake Rotoiti became a "drone free" area.

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

Singles & doubles lined up ready to go
Novice mixed
Carol in her V1
Carol in her V1 in the MW70

Race information & entries

This race is being sanctioned with Waka Ama NZ. The event listing on Waka Ama NZ’s website will give you the relevant information. It will have the race pack and panui. Your club rep will need to do your club entries. 

Race results