The Weekend: Open Water Ice Swimming Championships

From Nights, 8:20 pm on 11 July 2025

On a Friday, we like to check in with people up and down our lovely country who have exciting plans for the weekend.

Tonight we're heading down south where the water is cold enough for some ice swimming.

The annual open water Ice Swimming Championships are underway at Blue Lake in St Bathans, Central Otago.

Emile speaks to event organiser Sue Sherwen.

Athletes at the New Zealand ice swimming championships prepare to plunge into Otago's Blue Lake near St Bathans.

Athletes at the New Zealand ice swimming championships prepare to plunge into Otago's Blue Lake near St Bathans. Photo: Supplied / Birgit Krippner