The great university boat race

On Sunday, September 4, Waikato University takes on England's Cambridge University in the Gallagher Boathouse 8s on the Waikato River at Hamilton.

Pre-race events from August 27 include rowing, a dinner and fashion show.

Race day starts at 9.30am with a charity kayak-run-walk event.

From 10am there's a market, street entertainment, licensed areas and food.

Feature race, 2pm. The Great Race festivities end with a masquerade ball.