Waikato University rowing crews are facing the Aussies in this year's Gallagher Great Race and 12 secondary schools from around New Zealand will face off in other major races.
This year's September 9 Gallagher Great Race will see Waikato University men's and women's eights row against Queensland and Sydney university crews over a gruelling 3.85km upstream course on the Waikato River.
Now in its 11th year, the men row for the coveted Harry Mahon Memorial Trophy while the women's crews race for the Bryan Gould Cup. It's expected some of New Zealand's Olympic rowers will be in the Waikato boats.
Also facing a huge weekend are 12 secondary school rowing crews who will be participating in the Head of the Waikato Challenge, supported by the University of Waikato.
The challenge takes place before the Gallagher Great Race and will see the schools' crews battle it out over 2.7km upstream.