Ocean Swim Series - RotoVegas

The RotoVegas event features a range of distances from 100m to 3.5km, set in the calm, landlocked waters of Lake Tikitapu, also known as the Blue Lake. Held annually in late February, the swim draws participants to a site shaped by the massive volcanic depression that defined this region 240,000 years ago. Entry fees range from free for children’s categories up to 134 NZD for the 3.5km distance on race day, with the organization managing logistics through a structured, multi-start format to accommodate varying skill levels.

A landscape steeped in history

As you navigate the course, you are swimming through a geography layered with cultural and geological significance. The lake takes its name from a sacred pounamu necklace, said to have been lost by a high-ranking chief’s daughter while she bathed in these very waters. Beyond the immediate shoreline, the broader Rotorua area remains a center of living history, notably at the Ohinemutu Māori settlement, which has been continuously occupied by the Ngāti Whakaue people since at least 1365. Further afield, the landscape is punctuated by the Wairere waterfall, which carries water from the neighboring Lake Rotokākahi—a body of water known for its emerald hue and the abundance of freshwater mussels, or kākahi, that populate its bed.

Race day logistics

Participants in the 3.5km "Round the Lake" event face a direct challenge, while those opting for the 2km "Swim The Night" experience a unique, low-light environment. Because of the specific nature of the latter, all night swimmers must utilize a tow float with an integrated light. The event is well-supported with dedicated lifeguard patrols, though the primary responsibility for navigating the lake’s calm, flat-bottomed crater falls to the swimmer. If you enjoyed this format, you might also consider the Banana Boat Legend of the Lake, which shares similar water conditions. It is important to note that the event strictly enforces the Check, Clean, Dry procedure to protect the local ecosystem from invasive species. Before entering the water, ensure your gear is prepared according to these biosecurity requirements to maintain the integrity of the lake.