Bathtub racing growing in NZ

Forget powerboats and supercats - bathtubs are the latest high-speed racing vessels to compete in the Bay of Islands.

The Bay of Islands Bathtub Classic takes place this Saturday with the winner flown to Vancouver to contest the world champs later this year.

These are no ordinary bathtubs, but high-speed boats built to strict specifications.

For example, the boats must be built around a bath.

The sport has been contested internationally for years - the upcoming world champs are the 48th - and already boasts two events in New Zealand, at Whitianga and Bowentown near Waihi.

A contingent of fanatical bathtubbers from the Coromandel are expected to head north to take part in Saturday's event.

The festival starts at 10am beside the playground on Paihia's Ti Beach with a bouncy castle, games, a chance to win a ride in a high-speed bathtub, and Seagull racing (the outboard motor).

Bathtub racing starts at 1pm. The best vantage points will be along Ti Beach. The inaugural event is sponsored by Mitre 10 Mega in Whangarei.