About the Race

It's Time to Start Your Adventure

It was supposed to be a one time affair, but after the amazing event last March, and all the positive feedback, we can confirm we will be using the iconic steamship, The TSS Earnslaw to ferry swimmers into Lake Whakatipu once again.

Each year its been our goal to evolve the event.  2024 was no exception!!  It was so special we are doing it all again. For our main event we will be stepping back in time. Swimmers will board the elegant Lady of the Lake, the TSS Earnslaw steamship from Steamer Wharf and will be transported on a 30min voyage into the Frankton Arm.  Swimmers will leap from the boat, choosing from a 1.5m jump or a 3.5m jump. It is then a 4km navigation back to Queenstown Bay.

For those dipping their toes into open water swimming we will have a 1km event and a longer 2km event that both start and finish in Queenstown Bay.

We hope to see you on race day!

Richie Lambert & Lucas Fornes, race director

1.0 km

Bay Swim

A great event for those who can swim, but haven’t yet dipped their toes into open water swimming and are feeling a little unsure. Follow behind the Beacon  swimmers, carefully watched by our safety team. Enjoy the crisp waters and the Legend of the Whakatipu.
It may be the shortest event but you won’t be disappointed. 

2 km

Beacon Swim

A beach start, you’ll run (paddle maybe) into the turquoise blue. A few gasps as the cold fills the wetsuit and you are away. A straight 950m of swimming, aiming for the beacon that normally navigates the boats into the Bay.  Rounding the beacon and a large buoy, you can glide back to Queenstown Bay.

4 km

The Legend

Legends await as you board the Lady of the Lake! The TSS Earnslaw will deliver you with elegance on a 30min voyage from Steamer Wharf into the Frankton Arm.  Dive into the deep from either a 3.5m platform or the more sedate 1.5m deck. The horn will blow and swimmers can enjoy a 4km swim back to Queenstown Bay.

4 - 2 - 1 km

Triple Challenge

Do you want a challenge? Do you want to swim further? We have spaced out our 3 start times so it is possible for intermediate and fast swimmers to complete the combo challenge.  If you can swim 4km in 1hr 20mins or less then you can challenge yourself to be on the start line for all 3 events.

Entry Fees and Race Categories

The Bay - 1 km

Early Bird Fee – $55.00 (22/08/24-31/10/24)

General Fee – $60.00 (01/11/24-28/02/25)

Late Fee – $75.00 (01/03/25-20/03/25)

Max Swimmers – 80

Categories: U15, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

The Beacon - 2 km

Early Bird Fee – $69.00 (22/08/24-31/10/24)

General Fee – $75.00 (01/11/24-28/02/25)

Late Fee – $90.00 (01/03/25-20/03/25)

Max Swimmers – 80

Categories: U15, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

The Legend - 4 km - 240 capped

Early Bird Fee – $160.00 (22/08/24-31/10/24)

General Fee – $175.00 (01/11/24-28/02/25)

Late Fee – $205.00 (01/03/25-20/03/25)

* incudes 30min voyage on TSS Earnslaw

Max Swimmers – 240

Categories: 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

Triple Challenge - Complete all 3

Early Bird Fee – $220.00 (22/08/24-31/10/24)

General Fee – $245.00 (01/11/24-28/02/25)

Late Fee – $305 (01/03/25-20/03/25)

* incudes 30min voyage on TSS Earnslaw

Max Swimmers – 80

Categories: 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

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