Boating events, reservations and notices
Here you'll find current information about upcoming boating events in the Canterbury region.
If you're planning an event out on the water, please complete the reservation form. The form must be submitted at least 20 working days prior to the date of the proposed variation.
If you have any questions please contact us at harbourmaster@ecan.govt.nz.
Upcoming events
Arawa Canoe Club kayaking
This event will take place on the Waimakariri River from Mount White Bridge to the Gorge Bridge near Sheffield.
Hydroplane Drivers Club
This event will take place from 6am to 7pm on 9, 10, and 11 January 2026 at Lake Ruataniwha.
Power boat racing - Wairewa Lake Forsyth
December 2025
- Sunday 7, 7am - 5pm
February 2026
- Sunday 15, 7am - 5pm
March 2026
- Sunday 22, 7am - 5pm
April 2026
- Sunday 19, 7am - 5pm
May 2026
- Sunday 3, 7am - 5pm
- Sunday 17, 7am - 5pm
South Island Rowing Regatta, Lake Ruataniwha
December 2025
- Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 - Meridian Otago Championships
January/February 2026
- Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 - Meridian Canterbury Championships
- Saturday 31 and Sunday 1 - Meridian South Island Championships
March 2026
- Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 - Meridian South Island Secondary School Championships
- Saturday 21 and Saturday 28 - NZ Secondary Schools Championships
- Sunday 29 - NZ Secondary Schools Championships Spare Day
Duke Festival
This event will be held at New Brighton Beach.
Temporary boating notices
The following information includes temporary regulations made under the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2016 and Controls (PDF File, 5.69MB) for specific short-term purposes, such as powerboat races or large-scale swim events. It also includes minor changes to Bylaw rules for particular areas the water user community has asked for and supports.
To apply for a temporary reservation or exemption for your event, fill out the application form.
View temporary boating notices
- River Racing New Zealand - Waimakariri River, SH1 bridge to 10km upstream - 22 November 2025 (PDF file, 260KB)
- River Racing New Zealand - Waimakariri River, SH1 bridge to Gorge bridge - 23 November 2025 (PDF file, 260KB)
- Ashburton Rowing Club Regatta - Lake Hood - 6am 29 to 6pm 30 November 2025 (PDF file, 524KB)
- Arawa Canoe Club kayaking - Waimakariri River from Mount White Bridge to the Gorge Bridge near Sheffield - 14 December 2025 (PDF file, 254KB)
- Canterbury Triathlon Club - Lake Rua - 7am to 11am 14 December 2025 (PDF file, 359KB)
- Hydroplane Drivers Club - Lake Ruataniwha - 6am to 7pm 9 - 11 January 2026 (PDF file, 370KB)
- Canterbury Triathlon Club - Cass Bay with Corsair Bay as backup - 7am to 8:30am 1 February 2026 (PDF file, 359KB)
- Aoraki Dragons rowing event - Lake Ruataniwha - 14 February 2026 (PDF file, 256.3KB)
- Power boat racing - Wairewa/Lake Forsyth - 2025/26 season (PDF file, 262.2KB)
- Coast to Coast - Waimakariri River - 14 February 2026, 12:01am to 11:59pm (PDF file, 491.3KB)
- Canterbury Triathlon Club - Scarborough Beach - 8am to 9am 15 March 2026 (PDF file, 359KB)
Harbourmaster's approvals and directions
Approvals or exemptions are issued to organisations by the Harbourmaster, pursuant to the Canterbury Regional Council Navigation Safety Bylaw 2016.
To apply for a Harbourmaster approval, fill out the application form.
View Harbourmaster's approvals and directions
- Harbourmaster's Approval - French Farm Aquatic Club December 2018 (PDF file, 615.53KB)
- Harbourmasters Approval - Canterbury Jet Sport Authorisation Identification (PDF file, 465.19KB)
- Harbourmaster’s Approval - Canterbury Water Sports Club - 5 October 2017 (PDF file, 661.32KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Canterbury Outboard Boating Club (PDF file, 178.55KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Lake Tekapo Powerboat and Water Ski Club Inc (PDF file, 71.86KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Jet Boating NZ; Yachting NZ; Little Rakaia Boating Club (PDF file, 354.21KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Surf Life Saving NZ (PDF file, 353.16KB)
- Harbourmaster's Approval for use of existing vessel ID system - Surf Life Saving New Zealand (PDF file, 420.83KB)