Events on waterways

  1. Services »
  2. Maritime services »
  3. Events on waterways
On this page:

If you're wanting to organise a race, speed trial, competition or any other organised recreational activity on a waterway in the Waikato region, you will first need to apply for permission from Waikato Regional Council. This permission is to:

  • temporarily suspend restrictions under the Navigation Safety Bylaw, and
  • reserve an area for the purpose of that activity.

Apply to conduct a temporary maritime event

Note: Any event at Lake Karāpiro cannot be applied for online. Please use the 'Temporary maritime event - Lake Karāpiro' PDF form.

  • To apply online, you'll need a RealMe® account.  If you don't have an account already, you'll need to create one. Once you have logged in you will be redirected back to the Waikato Regional Council website to begin your application. You will be asked to verify your email address as part of Waikato Regional Council's Privacy Policy. Go to our online portal to login and/or set up your RealMe® account.
  • If you wish or need to use a PDF form, please download and save it first before you start entering information. If you start editing in the original version on this webpage, your changes won't save. 

Here's some help with your application

Calendar of events

The calendar below lists current and upcoming events on our region's waterways that have been authorised by Waikato Regional Council.

You should also check out the full list of Lake Karāpiro events (as approved by the Lake Karāpiro Users Group), as events listed there might not yet have been issued with a temporary event authorisation from Waikato Regional Council.


LAKE KARĀPIRO
Date Event Time Zone(s)
1 - 3 June 2024 Hawaii 2024 Campaign - World Elite Training Camp (Waka Ama) 7.00am to 5.00pm 3, 4 ,5
24 - 27 June 2024 Rowing NZ U23 Trial and Winter Series #3 7.00am to Midday and then 1.30pm to 5.00pm (Except 27th which is 7.00am to 1.30pm only) 4, 5, 6
19 - 21 July 2024 Winter Series #4 (Rowing NZ) 7.00am to Midday and 1.00pm to 5.00pm (21st only) 4, 5, 6
OTHER WATERWAYS
Date Time Event Location
30 June 2022 to 30 June 2028 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday Bylaw Exemption for DoC for 2.5.1 c) speed in proximity to shore Whangamarino River Wetlands area and Maramarua River Wetlands Area 
1 July 2023 to 30 June 2028 Daylight Hours Bylaw Exemption for Camjet (2011) 2.5.1 a) (Camjet Vessels only), c) and d) Waikato River between Shakespeare Street Bridge in Cambridge and 50 metres downstream of the  Karapiro Hydro Dam Structure and between Victoria Street Bridge in Cambrdige and a point opposite Banks Road in Cambridge
1 July 2023 to 30 June 2028 Daylight Hours Bylaw Exemption for Huka Jet - 2.5.1 c) and 2.5.1 d) Lake Aratiatia Waikato River
1 July 2023 to 30 June 2028 Daylight Hours Bylaw Exemption for Freedom Adventures - 2.4.1 c) and 2.4.3 Mercury Bay specific areas
21 September 2024 7.00am to 6.00pm Mercer River Race (NZ Water Ski Racing Association) Waikato River (Mercer Ferry Rd Bridge to The Elbow)
5 - 6 October 2024  7.00am to 5.00pm Mangakino Series 1 & 2 Lake Maraetai
19 October 2024 7.00am to 6.00pm NZ Water Ski Racing Association 3 Lake Arapuni
7 December 2024 7.00am to 5.00pm Twin Rivers 2024 (NZ Water Ski Racing Association) Piako River, Firth of Thames and Waihou River (Ngatea to Paeroa)