Banana Boat NZ Ocean Swim Series Legend of the Lake – 29 March 2025
Experience the Thrill of New Zealand’s Premier Fresh Water Swimming Event
Conquer the Challenges of the Blue Lake
Immerse yourself in the captivating Legend of the Lake at Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), where the blue waters and native forest of Lake Tikitapu create a truly special atmosphere for swimmers and spectators alike. This is your chance to push your limits and achieve your goals, whether it’s circumnavigating the lake in our exhilarating 3.5km long swim or taking on the ultimate challenge of the Amphibian – a swim, run, and swim combo that will test your endurance to the core.
A Day of Aquatic Excitement
We’ve packed all the action into one incredible day, offering the biggest lineup of swim challenges in the Series. From the thrilling 1000m and 500m RotoVegas races to the kid-friendly Banana Boat OceanKids events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And when you’re not in the water, explore the geothermal and adventure wonderland of Rotorua, making the most of your unforgettable experience.
Dive In and Be a Part of the Legend
Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a first-time participant, the Legend of the Lake promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you inspired and eager to conquer your next challenge. Join us at Te Purakau O Te Roto and write your own chapter in the legend of the Blue Lake.
Swims on offer:
- Round the Lake – 3.5km
- RotoVegas – 1000m
- RotoVegas – 500m
- Amphibian – Swim 1.7km/Forest Run 3.5km/Swim 500m
- Banana Boat OceanKids – 100m and 200m (7-12 years)
Be a Legend & join us for a amazing lake swim
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COURSE MAPS
LEDGEND OF THE LAKE 3.5KM
ROTORVEGAS 1000M
ROTOVEGAS 500M
OCEANKIDS 100M & 200M
AMPHIBIAN COURSE SWIM RUN SWIM
SWIM 1.7KM + RUN 3KM + SWIM 500
The Amphibian SwimRun is calling your name, and trust us, you don't want to miss this epic adventure! Picture yourself conquering both land and water in one exhilarating race. It's the perfect blend of swimming and running that'll push your limits and leave you feeling absolutely unstoppable!
So what are you waiting for? Dive in, lace up, and let's make some waves together!
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, 28th March 2025 | 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Registration series pack pick-up at Good George, 279 Te Ngae Road, Lynmore, Rotorua 3010 |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 7:00 AM | Round the Lake 3.5km registrations and swim pack pick-up |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 8:45 AM | Round the Lake 3.5km compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 9:00 AM | START - Round the Lake 3.5km |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 9:00 AM | RotoVegas 1000m, 500m and Amphibian registrations and swim pack pick-up |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 10:15 AM | RotoVegas 1000m compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 10:30 AM | START - RotoVegas 1000m |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 10:30 AM | Bag drop closes for Amphibian event |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 10:40 AM | RotoVegas 500m compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 10:50 AM | START - RotoVegas 500m |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 10:55 AM | Amphibian compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 11:00 AM | START - Amphibian event |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 11:05 AM | Oceankids registrations and swim pack pick-up |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 11:20 AM | Prizegiving for Round the Lake 3.5km |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 11:10 AM | Cutoff for 3.5km, 1km, and 500m |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 12:10 PM | Oceankids compulsory safety briefing |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 12:15 PM | START - Oceankids event |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 1:00 PM | Prizegiving for Amphibian event |
| Saturday, 29th March 2025 | 6:00 PM | Celebration at Good George, 279 Te Ngae Road, Lynmore, Rotorua 3010 |
| Event | Age | Super Earlybird Price (16 June - 13 July) |
Earlybird Price (14 July - 10 Aug) |
Standard Price (11 Aug - 22 Mar) |
Late Entries (23 Mar - 28 Mar) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round the Lake 3.5km | 12 yrs + | $99 | $109 | $114 | $124 |
| RotoVegas 1000m | 10 yrs + | $70 | $80 | $85 | $95 |
| RotoVegas 500m | 10 yrs + | $55 | $65 | $70 | $80 |
| Amphibian Swim/Run/Swim | 10 yrs + | $75 | $85 | $90 | $100 |
| Banana Boat OceanKids 100m or 200m | 7-12 yrs | ||||
Key Event Information
Event Day General Info
Event location
The event headquarters is located at Lake Tikitapu in Rotorua.
Free with your swim entry
- Silicon swimming cap (you wear on event day)
- Branded finish line photo (digital sharing quality)
- Electronic timing device
- Sports drink and a banana to refuel post event
- Trained lifeguards to watch over you while you swim and advanced medical personnel on site
Cut-off times
For safety reasons and to ensure the day runs to schedule, our swims have a cut-off time. The times vary for each swim distance.
Round the Lake 3.5k: 2hrs
RotoVegas 1000m- 40mins
RotoVegas 500m- 20mins
Amphibian: 1700m Swim: 1hr 3.5km Run: 30mins
500m Swim: 20mins
Total Time: 1hr 50mins
Banana Boat OceanKids 100m- 5mins
Banana Boat OceanKids 200m- 10mins
Age limits
Round the Lake 3.5k: 12 years and above
RotoVegas 1000m: 10 years and above
RotoVegas 500m: 8 years and above
Amphibian 1700m: 12 years and above
Banana Boat OceanKids: 100m & 200m 7 – 12 year olds.
Swim caps & start groups
As part of your swim pack, you will receive a silicon swim cap. Each start group has a different coloured cap. Start groups are determined by the speed group you selected in the entry form. If you have swum with us already this season please bring your cap to minimise the number of caps you collect and reduce our environmental footprint.
The start groups are calculated by our operations team and are organised by speed groups & entry numbers. These can vary from event to event, unless you are a Multi Event pass swimmer, and we are reluctant to change these as it can affect results.
Speed 1 & 2 – Fastest swimmers
Mid 1 & 2 – Competitive but like a little bit more space on the start line
Comp 1 & 2 – Out there to challenge yourself and swim with friends and family
Results
Live results will be available as soon as you have crossed the finish line. If you cannot see your result or think there is an error, please come and see the team in registration as soon as possible and definitely BEFORE prizegiving. You can find the results here.
Post-event nutrition
Once you have crossed the finish line one of our awesome crew will be there to meet you with water and a banana.
BYO drink bottle
As part of our goal to have a greener footprint, we will no longer be offering drinking cups so please remember to bring your own drink bottle. Thanks to the awesome team at the hydration station, you can fill your bottle with water. Look out for our water station and stay hydrated!
Amphibian details
The Amphibian is back for 2025 AND ONLY IN ROTORUA!
This event gives you a new perspective of the beautiful Lake Tikitapu.
Collect your event pack from registration, & bring a small bag to place your running shoes, small towel and running shirt (if needed) for the first transition. There will be a designated area at the main event site to place your bag, then these will be taken to the first transition area at the top of the lake.
We recommend that you wear a swim/run suit so that you can complete the entire Amphibian wearing it, saving you valuable time. You can wear a full wetsuit if you wish. All belongings will be brought back to the event site, once the transition area is cleared of all participants. Note: this will not be in time for your second transition.
The event sees you starting from the main event site with a 1.7km swim, straight up to the top of the lake. There you will exit the water to the transition area where you can put your running shoes on and head up the steps to begin the run. You will need to keep your cap and goggles with you. The course will take you around the lake, on a 3.5km run back to the main event site to a second transition. There you can ditch the shoes and run back in for another quick splash of 500m and then head through the finish line archway to the cheers of your friends and family.
Safety
All Banana Boat 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.
So that the events are safe and enjoyable for all swimmers, there are some rules for the event. Find out more here.
Bag storage
Bag storage area
An area designated to store gear bags will be available for all participants while you swim (or run!). 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.
NZ Secondary Schools Open Water Swimming Championships
The Legend of the Lake is proud to host the 2025 NZ Secondary School Open Water Swimming Championships. All swimmers enrolled in a Secondary School (Year 9-13) within New Zealand on the date of this event can opt to compete in these Championships by selecting their school in the entry form. Championship swim distances include the 3.5km, 1000m & 500m. Swimmers will be eligible for both Secondary School and Banana Boat Ocean Swim Series prizes and medals. Entries close
For more information visit the Swimming New Zealand website.
2025 NZSSOWS – Event Information Booklet coming soon
Enter by hitting the big yellow button top right!
