The Basics

The "iconic" Wellington 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 resurection 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.

1.  Saturday racing is for adult teams both corporate and sports

2.  Sunday for school crews. 

Want to get involved - Read more by clicking on the Who, When, Where and Why icons under the heading Basics.

The ancient history of Dragon Boating

Dragon Boating is a unique blend of sport, culture and celebration

According to legend, in 400BC the Chinese Statesman and revered poet Ch'y Yuan drowned himself in the Mi Lo river to protest the corrupt regime of the Ch'u Dynasty.

Local fishermen raced out in their boats to save him, but were too late. To prevent his body being eaten by fish they beat their paddles furiously on the water and threw rice as a sacrifice to his spirit.

Today we commemorate his death each year by racing at the spectacular Dragon Boat Festivals that happen around the world.