Wellington Dragon Boat Festival

Come for the scenery. Stay for the medals. Or better yet... come and show the Kiwis how it's done.

Bring your club and take on some of New Zealand's best in one of the country's most iconic harbour racing venues. Experience fast racing, fierce competition, and a festival atmosphere unlike anywhere else.

Flying solo? You won't stay that way for long. Join a one-of-a-kind International Crew made up of paddlers from around the world and experience the festival together.

One festival. Two days of racing. Countless stories to take home.

Oh... and did we mention there's a brand new race format for 2027? 👀 You won't want to miss this one.

🌏 International registrations are now open.

A little piece of Wellington is heading to France! 🇫🇷🐉

Wishing Kaha Sisters and CanSurvive safe travels and the very best of luck as they make their way to France for the IBCPC Participatory Dragon Boat Festival! ❤️

There’s something pretty special about seeing crews from our Wellington dragon boat community take to the international stage, and we know there’ll be plenty of people back home cheering you on.

For CanSurvive, the adventure continues after IBCPC as they head on to the Club Crew World Championships for another huge week of racing on the world stage. 🌍

We hope you have an unforgettable time, make plenty of memories along the way, and enjoy every moment on and off the water.

We’ll be cheering you on from Wellington. Safe travels and go well, teams! 🌟

The New Zealand Secondary Schools Dragon Boat Cup is back as part of the Wellington Dragon Boat Festival!

200m Racing. School spirit. Chant competitions. Lifelong memories and an incredible atmosphere shared with paddlers from across New Zealand.

Whether you're returning to chase a national title or entering for the very first time, we'd love to have your school on the start line.

Never entered before? We'd love to change that.

With schools from across New Zealand coming together to race in the capital, this is your chance to be part of something special. Get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction, helping your school take the first step towards getting on the water.

📅 Key Dates
School Training Starts - 1 February
NZ Secondary Schools Cup - 28 February

Register via the link in our bio, or send us a message to find out how your school can get involved.

Every February, Wellington Harbour fills with dragon boats. This year, one of them could be yours.

Looking out at the harbour wishing you were out there? This is your sign.

Swap the office for the boat and experience one of Wellington's most iconic events with your colleagues.

Whether you're returning with last year's crew or entering for the very first time, our coaches, support staff and safety team will make sure you're confident, capable and race-ready by festival weekend.

📅 Key Dates
Open Day - 21 November
Corporate Training Starts - 11 January
Harbour Fun Day - 13 February
Festival Weekend - 26–27 February

Corporate registrations for 2027 are now open!

Every season needs a benchmark. This is yours. 🌊

Wellington isn't just another regatta, it's where crews find out where they stand.

A weekend of racing against some of the strongest clubs from across New Zealand and around the world. Experience iconic harbour racing, line up against the best, and experience New Zealand's premier dragon boat festival!

And when the racing's over? Join hundreds of paddlers for one of the biggest social nights on the dragon boat calendar. 🍻

Club registrations for 2027 are now open. Register via the link in our bio!

📅 Festival Weekend: 26–27 February

Some festivals you attend. Wellington is one you survive... then immediately sign up for again. 🌊

Rolling harbour swell. Close racing. Electric atmosphere. A festival weekend unlike anywhere else in New Zealand.

Whether you're chasing medals, bringing your club, rallying your workmates, racing with your school, or joining us as an individual paddler, there's a place for you on the start line.

Registrations for the 2027 Wellington Dragon Boat Festival are officially OPEN.

📅 Key Dates
21 Nov — Open Day
11 Jan — Club Training Starts
1 Feb — School Training Starts
13 Feb — Harbour Fun Day
26–28 Feb — Festival Weekend (Schools Nationals: 28 Feb)

Register now via the link in our bio!

As Matariki rises, we’re reminded that the best journeys are the ones we share.

This Matariki, may we take time to reflect on the waters we’ve travelled, cherish those paddling alongside us, and look ahead with hope for the year to come.

From our Wellington Dragon Boat Festival whānau to yours, we wish you a Matariki filled with connection, gratitude, and new beginnings.

Mānawatia a Matariki ✨

Wellington City Council: “Please don’t.”

Us: “Noted.”