Te Anau’s polar plunge is back for a 14th year with more than a hundred people expected to brave the chilly water of Lake Te Anau on August 4.

The annual icy dip at Marakura Wharf is a fundraiser for Te Anau School’s senior camp in Dunedin.

Te Anau School deputy principal Mark Hunter says the polar plunge is organised by families of year six students and the money raised by the event usually pays for about half the cost of a week-long camp.

During the primary school camp, students will visit The University of Otago Marine Studies Centre, Otago Museum, and have a training session with the Beach Education programme run by Surf Lifesaving NZ.

“We are hoping the event will again be well-supported by Te Anau and surrounding communities because it will be the largest group of students that we have ever taken to Dunedin,” says Mr Hunter.

“We have 59 students enrolled in Year 6 but by the time November rolls around and tourism operators’ ramp-up and more families move to the area we expect to have more than 60 students on the camp, he says.

Te Anau student Max Meffan, 5, eyes up a lolly jar that has been prepared for the school's polar plunge fundraiser on August 4. Photo: Tiffany Caldwell

The polar plunge, although held near the end of winter, is not for the faint-hearted with the lake’s water temperature expected to be around 8 or 9 degrees, says Mr Hunter.

Fancy dress is encouraged with prizes for the best dressed polar plunger as well as for the best “birdman” and best bomb off the wharf.

On the day people can still support the fundraiser without getting wet by buying a coffee or a sausage or raffle ticket or guessing the number of lollies in a jar.

Mr Hunter’s advice for first times plungers is to choose your attire carefully.

“The secret to a good polar plunge is being able to get out of wet clothes and warmed-up as quickly as possible so it’s a matter of deciding whether wrestling a wetsuit is worth it or wearing something less insulated but easier to get out of is a better option,” he says.

The polar plunge is held the day after The Meridian Hydro Half Marathon, which starts near Manapouri and finishes at Te Anau so organisers are hoping the event might attract some runners who need some “cold water therapy,” says Mr Hunter.

Local businesses give the event amazing support through prizes or cash donations, he says.

“Our School is grateful for the support of many business owners that include George and Michelle Batchelor from Fiordland Community Pharmacy and Diane and Phil Holmes from Lakeside RD who have sponsored the polar plunge for a number of years,” says Mr Hunter.

What: Te Anau Polar Plunge. Starts with the Birdman competition followed by a bomb competition off the wharf and ends with the polar plunge from the beach.

Where: Steamers Beach, Marakura Wharf, Te Anau

When: Sunday 4 August 2024, 11am start. Finishes about 12:30pm.