Kawhia's whaleboat regatta

Hard-working marine antiques hit the water at Kawhia on New Year's Day for the annual racing whaleboats regatta, held since 1910.

The whaleboats date back to racing in Auckland in the 1880s, and four boats from that era still race in Kawhia alongside replicas of the five-oared craft.

Nine races are held on the day, beginning at 10am, with plenty of carnival-style activities on land near the Kawhia Wharf.

A similar race with the whaleboats runs on December 28 from 1.30pm, at Te Waitere, on the Waitomo side of the harbour.

Contact: regatta secretary Sandra Drummond

(07) 8710822