A new swim series in Rotorua this summer will showcase the region's superb lakes and encourage more people to give swimming a go.
The Famously Rotorua Swim The Lakes Summer Series will be held over January, February and March on three of the region's most stunning lakes - Tikitapu (Blue), Rotoma and Okataina.
Event manager Martin Croft says this is the first time all three swim events have been brought together under one umbrella. They offer a range of achievable distances that will challenge everyone from first- timers through to experienced swimmers.
"These lakes are renowned for their beauty," said Croft. "They're flat and the Blue Lake, in particular, is surrounded by hills so it's protected from the wind. Rotoma is similar - the lake is pristine and the water is crystal clear. You don't have any current so you don't have to swim against the tide ... Our aim is to promote fitness and fun through swimming. You don't have to be an elite athlete to take part ..."
The first swim is part of the Blue Lake Multisport Festival this weekend on January 25-26. There are two distances to choose from - 750m or 2km - and there are both cash and merit prizes up for grabs for the top three males and females in each race.
