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Blue Lake Multisport Festival 2011
Tikitapu (Blue Lake), near the geothermal city of Rotorua, is a beautiful place to test your limits. From 29-30 January, join Tour de France legend Lance Armstrong for a multisport event that will take your breath away in more ways than one. Whether you’re an international superstar, a novice multisport athlete or simply an avid supporter, Eves Blue Lake Multisport Festival delivers an action-packed weekend in a town that loves to party.An annual event for 25 years
2011 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Blue Lake Multisport Festival. It’s timed to coincide with the Auckland Anniversary holiday weekend on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 January. Organised by the Rotorua Association of Triathletes (RATS), this exceptional event has grown from humble beginnings to achieve international recognition.
Clear blue waters and a forest reserve
The clear blue waters of Tikitapu (Blue Lake) are popular with water skiers, swimmers and boaties. The lake has beautiful beaches linked by an easy walking track that passes through native forest and exotic conifers. Along the way there are spectacular views over Blue Lake and the nearby Rotokakahi (Green Lake).
Lance Armstrong will be there
This year the event’s big star is legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong, who overcame cancer to win the Tour de France seven times. He’ll compete on both days, reliving his early days as a young triathlete. Bevan Docherty, New Zealand’s double Olympic triathlon medallist, describes Tikitapu (Blue Lake) as one of the most beautiful locations ever for a sprint triathlon race. Along with Kris Gemmell and Cameron Brown, Docherty competed in the event when he was younger.
Something for everyone
The multisport events range from a forest fun run/walk to the highly-competitive sprint triathlon. Entry numbers will be limited for each event, so don’t delay if you want to line-up against Lance Armstrong. Here’s a quick snapshot of the programme:
* Aquathon - 5.5km forest run around the lake followed by an 800m swim, Saturday 29 January, morning
* Swims - 750m and 2km events, Saturday 29 January, late afternoon
* Sprint triathlon - entries for this event have reached their limit and are now closed. Come and cheer on the stars in a 750m swim, 16km road cycle then 5.5km run around the lake. Sunday 30 January, morning
* Fun run/walk - non-competitive 5.5km forest run/walk with spot prizes on offer, Sunday 30 January, morning
How to enter
For details of Eves Blue Lake Multisport Festival 2011 visit the RATS website.
Entries from New Zealand and overseas can be made online, or by downloading an entry form.
Explore geothermal Rotorua
Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) is just 9km from one of New Zealand’s premier attractions - Rotorua. Here steam hisses from the ground and roadside drains, pools of mud boil before your eyes and the mighty Pohutu geyser shoots water up to 30m into the air. At Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley you can walk through active geothermal areas, watch Maori master carvers at work and witness award-winning cultural performances. As you’d expect in a region that’s so in touch with the earth’s core, there are hot pool complexes and natural spa treatments everywhere you go.
Adventures of every kind
Rotorua is a mecca for thrill-seekers and adrenalin junkies. You can race your own luge cart down a mountain, roll down a paddock inside a Zorb, bungy jump, go white-water rafting, blast around a pond in a jet sprint race boat with the g-forces of a formula one race car, and so much more. The conservation parks and lakes that surround Rotorua are full of trails for walking and hiking. Ranging from 15 minutes to several hours, they’ll carry you away to lush native forests, magical waterfalls and lakeside beaches - with the occasional geothermal feature thrown in for free. If you prefer to pedal, you can hire a mountain bike and blast along purpose-built trails in the redwood forest.
Similar events this summer
Summer in New Zealand is all about enjoying a fresh-air lifestyle. The country is peppered with exciting outdoor events celebrating music, food and wine, arts and culture, and (of course) sport. Major sporting events in January and February include:
* Challenge Wanaka - Lake Wanaka, 15 January 2011. A remarkably scenic half iron triathlon around Lake Wanaka with Mount Aspiring National Park as a backdrop.
* Waka Ama Sprint Nationals 2011 - Lake Karapiro, 17 - 22 January 2011. Up to 3000 paddlers of all ages compete in the world’s largest Waka Ama (outrigger canoe) competition.
* 2011 New Zealand Masters Games - Wanganui, 4 - 14 February, 2011. Full-on fun and sport with more than 550 events across 64 sports, plus a ‘beach party’ theme and non-stop entertainment.
* Speights Coast to Coast - Southern Alps, 11 - 12 February, 2011. An international benchmark in multisport events that involves cycling 140km, running 36km and kayaking 67km across the South Island. Not for the faint-hearted.
Swim, cycle and hike around New Zealand
In New Zealand, you’re never far from a beach. Swimming, surfing, fishing and boating are a big part of the Kiwi way of life. The inland mountains and rivers are ideal for kayaking and white water rafting. Whanganui River offers a stunning multi-day wilderness journey for paddlers of all abilities. If you like cycling, you’ll love the Otago Central Rail Trail - four days or more on a disused railway line exploring spectacular alpine plateau landscapes, with historic towns for comfortable nights along the way. For hikers, there are endless opportunities throughout New Zealand. Check out the nine Great Walks - legendary on-foot adventures that lead you through our best scenery.
Reference http://www.newzealand.com/travel/about-nz/features/blue-lake-multisport-festival-2011/blue-lake-multisport-festival-2011_home.cfm
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