Meridian Swim Ruataniwha

14 march 2026

the event

Meridian Swim Ruataniwha is an open water swim event on the picturesque Lake Ruataniwha at the heart of the Mackenzie Region in Twizel.

We are a not-for-profit community event run by volunteers.

Every swimmer, sponsor, and supporter is helping the community thrive both in and out of the water as surplus funds from the event are invested in the Twizel Community. Since making a splash in 2023, this event has given back over $20,000 to local community groups – supporting everything from water safety programs to water-based activities across Twizel.

Groups who support the event like Mackenzie Lakes Coastguard, Twizel and South Island Rowing, St John, Twizel Swim Club, Land SAR, and the Twizel Community Patrol have all benefited

Entries
Health and Safety
Location
Sponsors
About us
Register
Team Competition
Southern Swim Series
Download Event Poster
  • Wood and paua race trophies 2025
    Race Trophies 2025
  • Three women competitors reaching the finish line together with hands held triumphantly in the air
    Three women competitors celebrating as they reach the finish line together
  • Three swimmers reaching the end and catching their breath as they stand up to leave the water.
    1,500m competitors at the end of the race standing up to cross the leave the water and cross finish line.
  • 1500m swimmers swimming the race from a distance with a Jetski near by the opposite shore in the background
    1500m swimmers racing
  • 500m High Country Salmon Team catching up after the race.
    500m High Country Salmon Team catching up after the race.
  • 3,800m Swimmers diving in at the start of the race with safety jet ski and kayak nearby and the Benmore range in the background.
    3800m competitors diving in as they hear the hooter blow.
  • 1,500m swimmers starting the race with the Ben Ohau range in the background.
    1,500m swimmers as the hooter blows for the start of the race.
  • 1,500m swimmers in the water lining up at the start waiting for the hooter.
    1,500m swimmers in the water lining up at the start waiting for the hooter.
  • swimmers warming up in the lake before the race, figure in the middle is stretching.
    Swimmers warming up in the lake before the race
  • Prize table showing 500m trophies and Barkers prizes
    Trophies and prizes 2025
  • 1500m and 3800m Swimmers and their supporters listening the briefing
    Briefing for 1500m and 3800m swimmers
  • Arno the race director briefing the swimmers and pointing out the course.
  • registration tent with people picking up their race numbers with Musashi Energy Drink giveaways in the foreground.
    Competitors registering and collecting their transponders.
  • 3800m race getting underway with the Ben Ohau range in the background.
500m Race
1500m Race
3800m Race