Waikato River

Easter Weekend 18th April – 20th April 2025
The Great Annual Classic Outboard Waikato River Adventure. NZ

Introduction & History
This is an epic journey of 142 kilometres, making it the longest annual voyage by Classic outboard, held anywhere in the world! Also, it’s NZ’s longest running, having commenced back in 1985. A true endurance boating adventure, set to test every sailor’s stamina & pilotage skills. Starting in NZ’s heartland in the peaceful country-side of Cambridge, then running all the way to the vast Tasman Sea. Held every Easter over 2-days. To join in this fun adventure, you’ll need a dinghy, with a small outboard, preferably classic but modern is okay, plus an enthusiastic roadcrew.

This event is all about nostalgia & adventure & fun. Launching into the canyons of Karapiro, passing by unique geology, onwards thru the cambridge countryside, passing under historic bridges, crossing the vast Waikato plains, sailing by historic towns, haul-out in the wetland labyrinth of the river delta at Hoods Landing. Ideal for all the family, a great adventure for the kids. The trip of a lifetime. 

Genesis: Way back in 1985, several locals from the Hoods Landing Delta Swamp couldn’t agree on who had the fastest Seagull Outboard. So it was decided that a race was the only way to settle the debate. That inaugural race started from the Karapiro dam & finished at the Tasman Sea. It took 4 days to complete the voyage & it’s unclear who the winner was. Moreover, the voyage was such a great adventure, that every Easter since, it became an annual adventure event.

Download Preparation Guide Document Here

Programme (Subject to changes on the day):

Easter Good Friday:

  • Get yourself to the Lake Karapiro Camping & Events Complex. 
  • Use Lake Karapiro for pre-adventure testing
  • 10:00am onwards Scrutineering. Scrutineers will be checking each boats safety inventory especially life jackets. When completed an “Approved” card will be attached to the boat. It will be the Skippers responsibility to find a scrutineer and get him to check and attach a card. No card no entry.
  • 3:00pm Briefing including course maps and distances.
  • Early bird entry (up to 14th April) with online banking transfer, contribution is $160 for boat & skipper plus 1qty meal. Late entry with cash, contribution at Karapiro is $200 for boat & skipper plus 1qty meal.
  • There will be a post event function on Sunday evening at the Waiuku Golf Club, in Racecourse Road. This features a delicious roast meal. Cost is $45 per adult, $20 per child. Note; You must have purchased a meal in order to patronise the bar. The bar will be open for alcoholic beverages from 5pm and the meal will be at 6pm

Easter Saturday:

  • Launching– Start times may vary
    • 8:00am Classic 2-1/2hp Outboards
    • 8:30am Classic 4-1/2hp Outboards
    • 9:00am Classic 6hp Outboards
    • 9:30am Modern Outboards
  • Saturday total 85km (46Nm)
    • Karapiro to Cambridge – 6.4km (3.5Nm)
    • Cambridge to Hamilton central – 27.4km (14.8Nm)
    • Hamilton to Ngaruawahia – 19.3km (10.4Nm)
    • Ngaruawahia to Taupiri – 9.7km (5.2Nm)
    • Taupiri to Huntly (power station) – 9.7km (5.2Nm)
    • Huntly to Ohinewai – 6.4km (3.5Nm)
    • Ohinewai to Rangiriri bridge – 6.4km (3.5Nm)
    • Overnighting at Rangiriri ready for Sunday
  • Time limit maximum is Grantham St bridge distance 33.8km (18Nm) by 12:00 midday. If you haven’t reached this point by this time, then you will not reach Rangiriri by 5pm, so you’ll need to plan your extraction from the river prior to Rangiriri.
  • You MUST be off the water by 5:00pm

Easter Sunday:

  • Launching– Start times may vary
    • 8:00am Classic 2-1/2hp Outboards
    • 8:30am Classic 4-1/2hp Outboards
    • 9:00am Classic 6hp Outboards
    • 9:30am Modern Outboards
  • Sunday total 56.4km (30.Nm)
    • Rangiriri to Meremere – 19.3km (10.4Nm)
    • Meremere to Mercer bridge – 4.8km (2.6Nm)
    • Mercer to Tuakau bridge – 11.3km (6.1Nm)
    • Tuakau to Elbow – 11.3km (6.1Nm)
    • Elbow to Hoods Landing – 9.7km (5.2Nm)
  • Finish line will be at Hoods Landing Otaua
  • Time limit maximum is Mercer bridge distance 24.1km (13Nm) by 12:00 midday. If you haven’t reached this point by this time, then you will not reach Hoods Landing by 4pm, so you’ll need to plan your extraction from the river prior to Hoods landing
  • You MUST be off the water by 4:00pm
  • 6pm Buffet dinner featuring a delicious roast meal at the Waiuku Golf Club, Racecourse Road, Waiuku.
  • 7pm Prizegiving

Easter Monday: Return home.

Entry Classes:

2.5hp Dinghy Stock Class:  Hull: Can be either production built or unique built, mono hull only, 3.5 -1 aspect ratio maximum, minimum length 10ft, height of sides 375mm minimum, open top hull, oars & rowlocks fitted, minimum weight for 10ft 45kg, minimum weight for 12ft 55kg
Engine: standard classic 64cc engine, no modifications, direct tiller steering, jacking plate allowed, cavitation plate allowed, prop modification allowed using seagull props.
2.5 hp Modified Class: any hull, minimum length 10 ft, classic 64 cc engine, must have seagull block (no liner), seagull crankcase, seagull head, seagull flywheel, seagull carburettor, leg from other outboards allowed , reed valves allowed , tuned pipes allowed, cavitation plate and prop modifications allowed, over size piston allowed, gearbox nose cones allowed. Two records, one with tuned pipe & one without.
4.5 hp Dinghy Stock Class: Hull: Can be either production built or unique built, mono hull only, 3.5 -1 aspect ratio maximum, minimum length 10ft, height of sides 375mm minimum, open top hull, oars & rowlocks fitted, minimum weight for 10ft 45kg, minimum weight for 12ft 55kg
Engine: standard classic engine, no modifications, direct tiller steering, standard transom mount, engine models 102, century, and silver century, cavitation plate allowed, prop modification allowed using seagull props.
4.5hp Modified Class: any hull, minimum length 10 ft, classic seagull must have seagull block (no liner), crankcase, flywheel, head, carburettor. Leg from other outboard allowed, reed valves allowed, tuned pipes allowed, cavitation plate and prop modifications allowed, engines are 102, century, and silver century or two 2.5hp 64cc seagulls, QB curlew 64 cc, oversize piston allowed, gearbox nose cones allowed in the modified class only. Two records, one with tuned pipe & one without.
Classic Bermudan Class: mono hull, minimum 3.5-1 aspect ratio maximum, minimum length 12ft, two persons on board with minimum combined weight of 150 kg, spare seagull may be used to make up minimum weight, standard engine, no modifications, 102,century and silver century models, cavitation plate allowed, prop modifications allowed using seagull props.
20ft Bermudan Class: mono hull, max 20ft, one bow, no outriggers, two persons onboard with minimum combined weight of 150 kg, spare seagull engine can be used to make up weight, standard engine, no modifications, models 102, century and silver century, prop modifications allowed using seagull props, cavitation plate allowed.
Open Class: any hull, minimum length 10ft, engines are Kingfisher, Osprey, 5R unmodified, 170 unmodified, 125 all in their standard form as manufactured, exceptions are cavitation plate prop modifications allowed.
Sport Class: any hull minimum length 10ft, engines in this class are Seagull Sport (standard), 5R modified, 170 with yamaha leg, 170 engines can be run with tuned pipe. 170 must have seagull block (no liner), crankcase, flywheel, head, carburetor, Yamaha leg allowed, prop replacements or modifications allowed.
Classic 6HP Max Class: For those who want to run a non-Seagull classic motor.
Modern 8HP Max Class: For those who don’t want to face the issues of a classic motor, this is an excellent way undertake your first river adventure.

Notes on Engines: By entering in the stock engine classes, you are agreeing to split the engine at the completion of the adventure if you are 1st, 2nd, or 3rd (if requested). If you have set a new record, you must split the engine for inspection. Standard pump fuel to be used in all classes except Modified & Sport. Standard engine means as it was manufactured at the factory & all parts unmodified with the exceptions outlined in each class.
Notes on Hulls: minimum hull length is 10ft for one man and 12ft for two man, if participants can satisfy officials before the event that their craft is sea worthy at a smaller size then approval may be given. (Must be pre-approved).
Note on Classification: Classification will be at the sole discretion of the scrutineers.
Approval Date: These Class Rules have been checked & approved by RL Feb 2025

Accommodation:

Please make your own arrangements for booking & payment of any accommodation. Suggestions listed below.

Friday Night:

Saturday Night:

Sunday Night:

  • Local Motels at Waiuku

Roadcrew & Logistics

You will need a road-crew to follow your voyage, & pick you up at your final destination each day. Unfortunately, it is often problematic to persuade a volunteer into this role.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this problem. You can form a team entry. Here’s how it works. As you journey down the river, you will meet with your road-crew every now & then, to rotate who is in the boat, vs, who is on the road. This way everybody gets to enjoy the river voyage. Plus you get to have a rest & a bathroom break & bite to eat. Your team might consist of say 3~4 people.

Equipment:

Compulsory & Subject to Passing Scrutineering:

  • Boat having a minimum hull length of, 10ft for one man, &, 12ft for two man. If a participant can satisfy officials before the event that their craft is sea-worthy at a smaller size, then, special approval may be given. Mitigation such as extra buoyancy or crew reduction during high risk stages, or a dedicated support boat will be needed. Application for such special approval must be made well prior to the adventure. It will be up to the Skipper to show the Scrutineer evidence of your special approval.
  • Outboard motor 8hp max
  • A clearly written number of 3-qty digits 25cm tall, duct tape ideal, avoid 111 & 777
  • Cellphone with texting in a waterproof bag or container.
  • 2-qty starter ropes
  • Lifejacket appropriate for every person on the boat. These MUST be worn, & fit properly
  • Premixed fuel/oil in leak-proof containers (suggest 18-litres for Saturday & 18-litres for Sunday)
  • Towrope 6+m long & bailer & paddle
  • Basic tools incl ~ spark-plug spanner, crescent, screwdriver, pliers
  • Spares incl ~ 2-qty spark-plugs, 3-qty prop springs, 2-qty prop washers, 2-qty split pins or R-clips
  • Spray bottle of biodegradable soap, to help disperse any traces of stray oil
  • Hearing protection, earmuffs or earplugs
  • There must be no drugs or alcohol in the boat
  • No open exhausts
  • Updated Mar 2022

Recommended Items:

  • Second motor, suggest lightweight modern 2+hp
  • Remote fueling system,
  • Spare propeller & cable ties & hose clips
  • Safety cutout lanyard on Sport Class & Open Class
  • GPS or Navigation app on your cellphone
  • Fire extinguisher, dry powder type suited to fuel / oil based fires
  • Sunhat & sunblock & sunglasses
  • First aid kit
  • Use of biodegradable oils
  • Lunch & towel (in a plastic bag to keep it dry)
  • Plastic shopping bag for rubbish ~ you cannot throw rubbish into the river
  • Avoid heavy farm gumboots for footwear
  • Updated Apr 2023

Hoods Landing Guide
The swampland at Hoods Landing is a very confusing labyrinth to navigate thru. There is a conspicuous Marae on the LHS bank of the Waikato River main channel. That’s your indicator to turn right & depart the main river channel & commence your passage thru the swamp. The grid positions indicated below represent points on the suggested track. A GPS or Navigation app on your cellphone will help you alot.

Hoods Landing Guide

Further Requirements:

  • The ‘Second Day Adventure’ event runs from Rangiriri to Hoods landing on Sunday for participants who only want to do one day, or, for those who had to withdraw on day one.
  • Alcohol or drugs must not be consumed before or during the event.
  • Children must be supervised by parent / guardian at all times.
  • If you need a tow to the nearest boat ramp, then, you can TEXT a Rescue Boat. They will tow a broken down craft to the nearest accessible boat ramp for the shore crew to recover
  • If you pull out for any reason, then, you MUST notify the Rescue Crew, to prevent a full scale river search
  • You MUST be off the water by 4:00 pm on Sunday. If you are running late, then, you’ll need to pull out by 4:00 pm, or, get a tow from a Rescue Boat to get off the water by 4:00 pm.
  • It is the sole responsibility of the skipper to ensure the seaworthiness of his/her boat and the safety of the crew and passengers whether afloat or ashore. It must be the skipper’s decision whether or not to take part having regard to the weather conditions, the experience and competence of him/herself and of the crew. Nothing done by the co-ordinators or anyone helping with the event, including the provision of safety boats will relieve the skipper of these responsibilities.

Latest River Levels at Rangiriri:

Follow this link for real time river levels at Rangiriri

https://waikatoregion.govt.nz/environment/envirohub/environmental-maps-and-data/station/43342/WL?dt=Level

Low is 5.0m & under / Normal is 5.1m / High is 5.2m & above

Contacts:

  • Kapiti ~ Ross Leger 027 442 4850
  • Waikato ~ Phil Hollins 021 968 742
  • Auckland ~ Chris Croul 021 501948 [email protected]

Entry Documents: