Dive into the adventure at the
Meridian Swim Ruataniwha.
The ultimate open water swim on the sparkling turquoise waters of Lake Ruataniwha, right in the heart of the stunning Mackenzie Region!
Since making a splash in 2023, this event has already given back over $25,000 to local community groups – supporting everything from water safety programs to water-based activities across Twizel. Groups like Mackenzie Lakes Coast Guard, Twizel and South Island Rowing, St John, Twizel Swim Club, Land SAR, and the Twizel Community Patrol have all benefited – proving that every swimmer, sponsor, and supporter is helping the community thrive both in and out of the water.
In 2026, Swim Ruataniwha provided funding to support an Adults Learn to Swim program conducted by Health Bothy.
Now in it's 5th year, Meridian Swim Ruataniwha has cemented itself as a must-do event on the Southern swim calendar.
For 2026/27 summer swim season, the Southern Lakes Swim Series – now consists of Five amazing events across the lower South Island. These being Clyde Dam Swim (Lake Dunstan), The Ruby Swim (Wanaka), Across The Lake (Te Anau), The Whakatipu Legend (Queenstown), and of course, our very own Meridian Swim Ruataniwha – swimmers compete in any Four of the Five races (including Whakatipu Legend) and be in to win a spectacular spot prize worth at least $1250 in 2027!
✨ Save the date: Saturday 6 March 2027 ✨
The first splash hits the water at 9:30am (final start times confirmed closer to the day). With three fun-filled challenges, there’s something for every swimmer:
🏊 The Top Hut Sports Bar & Bistro 500m – the perfect entry-level event for first-timers, social swimmers, or anyone keen to dip their toes into open water.
🏊 The Mackenzie Four Square 1500m – a great middle-distance swim for those who want to test themselves and feel the thrill of a challenge.
🏊 The Mt Cook Alpine Salmon 3800m – our premier endurance event, tailor-made for experienced open water swimmers and triathletes chasing their big goals.
With awesome spot prizes, a buzzing lakeside atmosphere, and the knowledge that your swim is giving back to the Twizel community, Meridian Swim Ruataniwha is more than just a race – it’s a celebration of people, place, and the joy of open water swimming.
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Important Information
Minimum Age Requirements
The 1500m and 3800m swim races are restricted to competitors over 16yrs of age at event date.
The 500m swim race is restricted to competitors over 12yrs of age at event date.
If you are Under 16 years and would like to participate in the 3800m or 1500m swim races or Under 12 and would like to participate in the 500m swim race, please contact the event organiser at swimrua2023@gmail.com requesting a dispensation to the age limit. When making this request please provide details of prior cold water swims undertaken, distance swimming events undertaken and details of your swimming ability provided by recognised swimming coach.
Late / On the day entries:
No entries will be accepted after entries close at midnight Wednesday 3 March 2027.
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
Top Hut Sports Bar & Bistro 500m Swim - U12 restricted entry Access code only
Registration closes in 6 months 3 hours-
250m along the shore of Lake Ruataniwha to a turn buoy and back to start. Youth swim event. Entry to be approved by ace organisers to compete.
-
NZ$20.00
Early Bird
Aug 1 – Sept 1 -
NZ$20.00
Standard
Now registering Sept 1 – Mar 3
-
Top Hut Sports Bar & Bistro 500m Swim - 12 to Under 16 yrs
Registration closes in 6 months 3 hours-
250m along the shore of Lake Ruataniwha to a turn buoy and back to start. Youth swim event.
-
NZ$50.00
Early Bird
Aug 1 – Sept 1 -
Register for Top Hut Sports Bar & Bistro 500m Swim - 12 to Under 16 yrsNZ$65.00
Standard
Now registering Sept 1 – Mar 3
-
Top Hut Sports Bar & Bistro 500m Swim - 16 to 39 yrs
Registration closes in 6 months 3 hours-
250m along the shore of Lake Ruataniwha to a turn buoy and back to start.
-
NZ$50.00
Early Bird
Aug 1 – Sept 1 -
Register for Top Hut Sports Bar & Bistro 500m Swim - 16 to 39 yrsNZ$65.00
Standard
Now registering Sept 1 – Mar 3
-
Top Hut Sports Bar & Bistro 500m Swim - 40 to 59 yrs
Registration closes in 6 months 3 hours-
250m along the shore of Lake Ruataniwha to a turn buoy and back to start.
-
NZ$50.00
Early Bird
Aug 1 – Sept 1 -
Register for Top Hut Sports Bar & Bistro 500m Swim - 40 to 59 yrsNZ$65.00
Standard
Now registering Sept 1 – Mar 3
-
Top Hut Sports Bar & Bistro 500m Swim - 60 yrs +
Registration closes in 6 months 3 hours-
250m along the shore of Lake Ruataniwha to a turn buoy and back to start.
-
NZ$50.00
Early Bird
Aug 1 – Sept 1 -
Register for Top Hut Sports Bar & Bistro 500m Swim - 60 yrs +NZ$65.00
Standard
Now registering Sept 1 – Mar 3
-
MacKenzie Four Square 1500m Swim - U16 Restricted Entry Access code only
Registration closes in 6 months 3 hours-
1500m Triangle lap of the Island. Restricted entry for Under 16 at event date. Evidence of swimming ability and open water swim experience is required.
-
NZ$75.00
Early Bird
Aug 1 – Sept 1 -
NZ$90.00
Standard
Now registering Sept 1 – Mar 3
-
MacKenzie Four Square 1500m Swim - 16 to 39 yrs
Registration closes in 6 months 3 hours-
1500m Triangle lap of the Island
-
NZ$75.00
Early Bird
Aug 1 – Sept 1 -
Register for MacKenzie Four Square 1500m Swim - 16 to 39 yrsNZ$90.00
Standard
Now registering Sept 1 – Mar 3
-
MacKenzie Four Square 1500m Swim - 40 - 59 yrs
Registration closes in 6 months 3 hours-
1500m Triangle lap of the Island
-
NZ$75.00
Early Bird
Aug 1 – Sept 1 -
Register for MacKenzie Four Square 1500m Swim - 40 - 59 yrsNZ$90.00
Standard
Now registering Sept 1 – Mar 3
-
MacKenzie Four Square 1500m Swim - 60 yrs plus
Registration closes in 6 months 3 hours-
1500m Triangle lap of the Island
-
NZ$75.00
Early Bird
Aug 1 – Sept 1 -
Register for MacKenzie Four Square 1500m Swim - 60 yrs plusNZ$90.00
Standard
Now registering Sept 1 – Mar 3
-
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon 3800m Swim - U16 Restricted Entry Access code only
Registration closes in 6 months 3 hours-
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon 3800m swim - restricted entry under 16. Evidence of swimming ability and open water swim experience is required.
-
NZ$95.00
Early Bird
Aug 1 – Sept 1 -
NZ$110.00
Standard
Now registering Sept 1 – Mar 3
-
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon 3800m Swim - 16 to 39 yrs
Registration closes in 6 months 3 hours-
Twice around the Island in a Rectangular Style Course (Ironman Length)
-
NZ$95.00
Early Bird
Aug 1 – Sept 1 -
Register for Mt Cook Alpine Salmon 3800m Swim - 16 to 39 yrsNZ$110.00
Standard
Now registering Sept 1 – Mar 3
-
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon 3800m Swim - 40 to 59 yrs
Registration closes in 6 months 3 hours-
Twice around the Island in a Rectangular Style Course (Ironman Length)
-
NZ$95.00
Early Bird
Aug 1 – Sept 1 -
Register for Mt Cook Alpine Salmon 3800m Swim - 40 to 59 yrsNZ$110.00
Standard
Now registering Sept 1 – Mar 3
-
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon 3800m Swim - 60 yrs +
Registration closes in 6 months 3 hours-
Twice around the Island in a Rectangular Style Course (Ironman Length)
-
NZ$95.00
Early Bird
Aug 1 – Sept 1 -
Register for Mt Cook Alpine Salmon 3800m Swim - 60 yrs +NZ$110.00
Standard
Now registering Sept 1 – Mar 3
-
Event schedule
- Fri, May 1, 2026 12:00 am - EVENT KEY DATES AND TIMES
- Sat, August 1, 2026 5:00 pm - Event Entries Open, Early Bird Pricing
- Mon, August 31, 2026 12:00 pm - Early Bird Entry Pricing Ends
- Wed, March 3, 2027 11:59 pm - Entries Close (no late or on the day entries)
- Sat, March 6, 2027 7:00 am - Event Day: Competitor Registration opens for all events
- Sat, March 6, 2027 8:15 am - Volunteer Safety Briefing
- Sat, March 6, 2027 8:30 am - Competitor Registration 3.8 km and 1.5 km Closes
- Sat, March 6, 2027 8:45 am - Welcome and Event Overview
- Sat, March 6, 2027 8:55 am - 3.8km Competitor Course and Safety Briefing
- Sat, March 6, 2027 9:05 am - 3.8 km Competitor warm up swim
- Sat, March 6, 2027 9:05 am - 1.5 km Competitor Course and Saftey Briefing
- Sat, March 6, 2027 9:17 am - 3.8 km Competitor warm up swim ends
- Sat, March 6, 2027 9:20 am - Mt Cook Alpine Salmon 3.8 km start time
- Sat, March 6, 2027 9:22 am - 1.5 km Competitor warm up swim
- Sat, March 6, 2027 9:28 am - 1.5 km Competitor warm up swim ends
- Sat, March 6, 2027 9:30 am - Twizel / Mackenzie Four Square 1.5 km start time
- Sat, March 6, 2027 9:45 am - Competitor Registrations close for 500 m event
- Sat, March 6, 2027 9:50 am - 500m Competitor event and course briefing
- Sat, March 6, 2027 10:00 am - The Top Hut Sports Bar & Bistro 500m start time
- Sat, March 6, 2027 11:00 am - Cut off time to complete swim for all events
- Sat, March 6, 2027 11:15 am - Prizegiving
- Sat, March 6, 2027 12:00 pm - Event Finishes
- Sat, March 6, 2027 12:01 pm - NOTE: The Meridian Swim Ruataniwha committee reserves the right to change event times & swim course
Contact information
- Event contact
- Michelle (Shell) Paterson
- Phone
- 027-223-1761
- Website
- Visit website
