Unique and interesting boats on show in parade

PHOTO/FILE

Much of the edge of Lake Rotoiti has bush growing right to the edge, making it a serene and lovely place to boat.

Just ask any of the boaties who are turning up at the lake tomorrow to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Classic and Wooden Boat Parade.

Many of them have been coming to the lake regularly over the past two decades to celebrate their unique boats on Waitangi Weekend.

Up to 80 unusual and wooden boats will be on the water and many of them have long and interesting histories, according to club commodore Grant Cossey.

Boaties from all over the North Island regularly come to celebrate the day.

"They come here because it's a good event and they like to mix with fellow boaties who enjoy talking about the craftsmanship and history of their boats," he said.

"There has always been a tradition of old launches on Lake Rotoiti because it's so sheltered. People have always come here for fishing and picnics."

This year the parade will finish at Wairau Bay where a jazz band will play.

Anyone wishing to enter a unique boat is welcome. Members of the public who want to view the boats can do so at the reserve on State Highway 33, south of Okere Falls Store.

Boats will gather at 10am, parading past the reserve at 10.30am to a commentary about the history of the boats.

On Sunday the club is holding a drift through the Ohau Channel.

Anyone with a floating device, dinghy, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or boogie board is welcome to take part. Drifters will meet at 12.30pm at the end of Waana St, Mourea.

"The channel is like a wonderful little sub-tropical forest. It is just lovely, and members of the public are invited to join us and have a look."

See www.woodenboatparade.co.nz for further details.

What: Lake Rotoiti Classic and Wooden Boat Parade
Where: Lake Rotoiti
When: Saturday 10.30am