Wellington Dragon Boat Festival

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.”

🚨 BREAKING: With free agency underway, Wellington Dragon Boat Festival has officially secured its biggest signing yet.

Welcome Coach LeBron! 🏀

2027 is already looking stacked.

Think of the caption possibilities. Think of the race day stories. Think of the group chats! 🤯

apple, make it happen. 🐲

Racing flow. uninterrupted 🌀

A massive shoutout to our volunteer legends who make the Wellington Dragon Boat Festival and our wider community what it is!

Thank you to our coaches and sweeps who endlessly give up their time throughout the season to coach our teams, and to our sweeps (local and out of town) who make every race possible on the water.

Your time, energy, and passion are the reason our events run smoothly and our paddlers get to do what they love. You bring the festival to life, from the first training sessions through to the final race.

We couldn’t do it without you ❤️❤️
Volunteering New Zealand