Great scenes at Bay of Islands waka festival in Waitangi

A big cruise liner watches on as teams compete in the Kris Kjeldsen Memorial Race Te Taiawhio o Ipipiri. Photo / Ruth Lawton

Waitangi's Tii Beach was the site of the Bay of Islands waka festival where over 55 teams came to compete. Photographers Peter de Graaf and Ruth Lawton were on the scene to capture the action.

Teams push through the water with the Waitangi bridge in the background. Photo / Ruth Lawton

The top two women's teams head around Motuarohia Island in the Kris Kjeldsen Memorial Te Taiawhio o Ipipiri race. Photo / Ruth Lawton

Fonz Te Kuru of Te Waka Raukura, a crew from Waitangi Waka Ama Kaihoe, takes a giant leap as his waka nears the beach. Photo / Peter de Graaf

The girls of Matuku Moana Chili and Peppers crew, part of Whangarei Blue Light, practice paddle drills ahead of their first ever race. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Twelve-year-old Missy Apiata-Te Rito, of the Waitangi Aroha crew, charges to the finish line. Photo / Peter de Graaf

The Matuku Moana Chili and Peppers crew, part of Whangārei Blue Light, hit the beach at the end of a sprint. Photo / Peter de Graaf