Xmas at the Kaituna is an annual kayaking event on the iconic Kaituna River in New Zealand, and it’s one of the most fun and festive days of the year for paddlers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or just out for a laugh with friends, this event brings together everyone for a day of action-packed fun on the river. It’s a great way to enjoy the river and celebrate the holiday season with fellow paddlers!
The day kicks off with participants signing in and getting a quick safety briefing, then it’s straight into the action. The event is famous for its festive vibe, with kayakers showing up in all sorts of crazy holiday costumes, adding to the overall fun and excitement. It’s not a day about intense competition; it’s about having a great time on the water with fellow paddlers and celebrating the Christmas season in style.
What to expect
The event features a mix of kayaking challenges and races that’ll keep you on your toes (and sometimes in the water!). Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just looking to have fun, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a sneak peek at the day’s events:
Progressive knockout boater-X
First up is the Progressive Knockout Boater Cross, where things get serious — but in a fun way. This race takes place over the full two-kilometre section of the Kaituna River, and you’ll be racing through four heats of four paddlers at a time. The first section is the qualifier, with the top two moving on to the first bracket, and the next two placed in a second bracket. It’s fast-paced and action-packed, with the pressure building as everyone races to make it to the next round. And don’t worry if you get knocked out in your first heat—you’ll still get a second chance in the next round! It’s all about having fun while paddling through the rapids.
The Eight Ball Race
Next, get ready for the Eight Ball Race, a wild and wacky obstacle course on the river. If you’ve seen the Eight Ball race at the GoPro Mountain Games in the US, you’ll know what to expect, but on the Kaituna, we’ve got our own spin on it. The first five hundred metres of the river turn into a crazy obstacle course where kayakers race past other boats, avoid dangling objects, and try not to get blasted by water from the local fire brigade’s hose. It’s complete mayhem — and totally hilarious. You’ll have to dodge everything in your path while racing toward the finish line. It’s messy, it’s fun, and you’ll be laughing the whole way.
Teams Beach Ball Race
Things get even more chaotic with the Teams Beach Ball Race. Teams of three will choose and personalize their own beach ball, which is then dropped at a different spot further down the river. The catch? Teams must race to the first 500 metres, fight their way to the riverbank, and search for their ball in the eddies. Once you find it, it’s a race to get your ball—and your team—down to the bottom of the river. It’s a race, a scramble, and sometimes even a bit of a disaster as kayakers try to keep their cool while chasing after an inflatable ball! It’s one of the most entertaining parts of the day and often results in some of the best (and funniest) moments of the event.
Post-race madness
When the races wrap up, the real fun begins — by ditching the kayaks for flippers or inflatable pool toys! It’s a bit of a local tradition, and while it’s not officially part of the event, you’ll see lots of people floating down the river, swimming the seven-meter waterfall, and just having an absolute blast. It’s one of those moments that sums up the spirit of Xmas at the Kaituna — fun, spontaneous, and a little bit mad.
The grand finale at Okere Falls Store
Once all the fun on the river is done, everyone heads to Okere Falls Store, the local café and bar, for the prize giving. There are awards for the best costumes and for the race winners, but the real highlight is the camaraderie. Everyone gathers to share stories, enjoy some great food and drinks, and celebrate the day’s adventures. It’s the perfect way to wind down and wrap up what is always a memorable day on the water.
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In the end, Xmas at the Kaituna is more than just a kayaking event — it’s a holiday celebration like no other. Whether you’re racing down rapids, navigating obstacle courses, or just floating along with friends, it’s a day full of laughter, excitement, and a whole lot of fun. So, grab your paddle, put on your Christmas costume (or just something fun), and come join us for a day of paddling, friendship, and festive madness!
