Aotearoa Stone Skimming Championships
Schedule
Fri, 15 May, 2026 at 09:00 pm to Sun, 17 May, 2026 at 07:00 am
UTC+12:00Location
22 Timaru Creek Road, Gladstone, Lake Hawea, Wanaka, New Zealand | Timaru, CA
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Join us for the first-ever Aotearoa Stone Skimming Championships at the stunning and rarely accessible Lake Hāwea Station in the South Island, inspired by the World Stone Skimming Championships in Scotland.Competitors will take part in the Open Men’s and Open Women’s categories, with the opportunity for our champions to be sent to the World Stone Skimming Championships, held in Scotland!
Stone skimming has long been a favourite activity for communities around Aotearoa.
Importantly, proceeds from the event will support Melanoma New Zealand. Our initial fundraising goal is $30,000, which will help fund their life-saving work in melanoma awareness, education, and patient support services.
Set in a breathtaking private location known as The Hide, the day offers beautiful lake and alpine views, a friendly atmosphere, local food, and the chance to be part of a completely unique event.
What to expect
- 150 competitors
- Around 150 spectators, including a VIP zone
- Celebrity influencers
- Crowd - engaging events during the day
- A fun, family-friendly autumn event
- Food and refreshments, great viewing spots, and stunning scenery
- A rare opportunity to visit Lake Hāwea Station
- Reserve weather/location plan to ensure the day runs safely
- Melanoma New Zealand's mobile van offering free skin cancer spot checks during the event.
This event proudly supports Melanoma New Zealand, the only national charity dedicated to reducing the impact of melanoma - the most common type of cancer in Aotearoa. By buying a ticket, taking part, or simply coming along to enjoy the day, you’re directly helping Melanoma New Zealand to raise awareness about melanoma, deliver free skin cancer spot checks around the country, and support patients and whānau who are facing melanoma.
Location details
Lake Hāwea Station – “The Hide”
Just 30 minutes from Wānaka, this exclusive private site offers spectacular lake and mountain views, natural shelter and ideal stone-skimming spots, plenty of space for marquees, food trucks and viewing areas, parking for cars and buses, and optional access by boat — a peaceful, stunning location that many will experience for the first time.
Note: This event is scheduled for 16 May, but please keep 17 May available as a backup in case weather conditions require us to shift the date. The final date and location will be confirmed closer to the time.
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Where is it happening?
22 Timaru Creek Road, Gladstone, Lake Hawea, Wanaka, New Zealand, Lake Hawea, 22 Timaru Creek Rd, John Creek, Lake Hawea 9382, New Zealand, TimaruEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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