Hawaiian shirts were on show at St Clair Beach yesterday, but the waters were anything but Waikiki temperatures.
A beautiful midwinter's day brought close to 300 people down to the beach for the 88th annual Polar Plunge.
But those who took part found the still and sunny day a little misleading as they entered the biting 9degC waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Among the hardy was 19-year-old Japanese student Sena Yamaguchi.
Mr Yamaguchi, who donned only swimming trunks for the plunge, said it was his first time taking part in the annual event.
''It's not cold,'' he bravely exclaimed as he emerged from the water.
However, he reviewed that assessment when asked how it compared to beaches back home.
''Actually, very cold,'' he said.
''It's less than 10 degrees.''
While he dressed in appropriate garb for a swim - midwinter or otherwise - many others opted for heavier, burdensome outfits.
Pandas, penguins, samurais and Thing One and Thing Two made an appearance at the event.
Dunedin man Mike McConachie was sporting a large blue wig for his third appearance in Dunedin's wintry waves.
''It gets better the longer you are in,'' a visibly cold Mr McConachie said.
''You don't feel it when you are running in - it's exciting.''
His first Polar Plunge was in 2005 and yesterday's conditions were the best of any he had experienced.
''What a perfect day,'' he said.
''It's as good as any summer day.''
Plungers were treated to a calm day with sunny skies and temperatures reaching 9degC at noon.
Organiser Sue Rolfe said she was pleased with the conditions and the turnout.
Up to 1000 people were at the beach to take part or to watch, she said.
''It's a very good turnout with lots of support,'' she said.
