NZ Ocean Swim Series for Rotorua’s Blue Lake

29 July, 2015

NZ Ocean Swim Series for Rotorua’s Blue Lake

The clean and clear waters of Rotorua’s Lake Tikitapu – the Blue Lake – have been announced as the home of the newest event in the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series.

An hour from the coast, Rotorua isn’t the first place that comes to mind when people think of ocean swimming. However, with 18 stunning lakes and a myriad of unique natural assets and iconic cultural and historic features, the team at New Zealand’s Ocean Swim Series concluded that Rotorua would be the ideal base for their newest event.

“Under three hours’ drive from Auckland, Rotorua is the perfect weekend getaway destination,” says Scott Rice, Event Director for the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series.

“Known as a national hub for culture and adventure activities, it’s the natural beauty of the area that really appealed to us … and where better to test the boundaries around what an ocean swim can entail?”

Following the innovative idea, a survey was distributed to the group’s nationwide database of past participants to gauge how they felt about holding their newest ocean swim in the middle of the North Island. With an overwhelmingly positive response, the freshwater ocean swim was born.

With 18 lakes to choose from, the Blue Lake was singled out as the perfect location.

“For those who haven’t swum in the Blue Lake before, you’re in for a treat,” says Mr Rice. “Lovely clean and clear waters located in a picturesque setting just 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre – this will be one special swim to be part of.”

Rotorua Lakes Council is a strong supporter of events and has welcomed the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series with open arms, seeing this fresh challenge as an opportunity to be part of history.

“The Ocean Swim Series is filled with great events showcasing some of the country’s most amazing beaches and waterfronts. Now they’ve added one of New Zealand’s most beautiful lakes into the mix and we’re really excited to show participants what the Blue Lake has to offer,” says Martin Croft, Events Manager for the council.

The inaugural event will be held on Sunday 28 February 2016 when the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lake sit between a balmy 21 and 23 degrees.

More information is on the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series Facebook page, including a competition to find a name for this new event. With a prize up for grabs of a free lifetime entry, it could be the perfect reason to keep coming back to Rotorua - New Zealand’s coolest hot spot.

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