Rotorua's new summer swim series is set to showcase the region's superb lakes while encouraging to give swimming a go.

The famous Rotorua Swim the Lakes Summer Series from January to March is on three of the region's most stunning lakes – Tikitapu, Rotoma and Okataina.

Event manager Martin Croft says this is the first time all three swim events are together under one umbrella, offering a range of distances that will challenge everyone from first timers to experienced swimmers.

'These lakes are renowned for their beauty. They're flat and the Blue Lake, in particular, is surrounded by hills so it's protected from the wind,” says Martin.

'Rotoma is similar – the lake is pristine and the water is crystal clear. You don't have any current so you don't have to swim against the tide. There are many advantages to swimming in these lakes rather than the ocean.”

Croft says competitors, who complete in all three events, will have their achievement recognised with a Famously Rotorua Swim the Lakes t-shirt.

'Our aim is to promote fitness and fun through swimming. You don't have to be an elite athlete to take part – these swims are ideal for people who have watched open water swimming before and thought ‘I'd really like to give that a go'.”

The first swim in the three-part series is part of the Blue Lake Multisport Festival this weekend, January 25 and 26, with both a 750m and 2km race.

The second swim takes place on Waitangi Day at Lake Rotoma with an impressive 20 entry options –ranging from 100m to 15km. the triangular course is marked by buoys and swimmers will wear colour-coded caps so several races can be run simultaneously.

The swim in the series on sparkling Lake Okataina on March 16 promises to be a special family-friendly event with 800, 1.5km or km distances to choose from.

'Whether you're training for a multisport event or wanting to improve your general fitness, this summer series is a great way to make the most of Rotorua's beautiful lakes and challenge yourself to try something new.”