Images of Wellington- Dragon Boat Festival celebrates its 26th Year

by Genevieve Howard on 20 Mar 2011
The 'iconic' Wellington NZCT Dragon Boat Festival is now in it's 26th year and still going strong.

Dragon Boating involves 20 paddlers in one boat, a sweep who stands at the back to steer the boat and a drummer who sits on the front. Started as a corporate challenge the festival has expanded into both the corporate and sporting sector.

The race site is CBD based and 320 metres in length. It is right in Wellington Harbour, 50 metres out from the shores of Frank Kitts Park. All teams load from Aotea Lagoon.

2010 saw the resurrection of the Australia vs New Zealand challenge of which NZ now hold the title. There are many other challenges from corporates to sports, if your sector is not listed, please just ask as we will add in more challenges as the festival continues to grow.

The weekend involves not only some great racing but it's a festival made up of of stalls and entertainment from dragon and lion dancers to stilt walkers, food and clothing stalls and lots and lots of spectators.

Saturday racing is for adult teams both corporate and sports

Sunday for school crews.

Over 80 adult and school teams are taking part in the racing. School teams race on Sunday, March 19, 9am to 3pm. -

Genevieve Howard provides this gthe Saturday racing

Website: www.dragonboat.org.nz