Roll out those lazy, hazy crazy days of summer...

Children came out in droves to play in Wanaka over the weekend, enjoying a wide range of community activities designed to keep families amused during the school holidays.

Dozens of children and adults took part in the Summerdaze Festival Grand Kite Display at Pembroke Park on Saturday, which featured several large kites designed by the world-renowned Peter Lynn team, of Ashburton.

Jayden Hibbs, of Queenstown, came to Wanaka specially to display his "Santa" present - a fighter-plane kite - while other children launched kites they had made in festival workshops the day before.

Hundreds more people found a relaxed atmosphere at the Upper Clutha Presbyterian Gala at the nearby showgrounds on Saturday afternoon.

A wide variety of activities were available, including face-painting, games, and rides in vintage cars.

Food stalls offered everything from cakes and preserves to wild venison and hot dogs.

The event concluded with a charity auction to raise money for the parish's work with needy families.

Yesterday, the excitement was palpable as more than 250 children took part in the Junior Challenge triathlon, egged on by hundreds more proud parents and supportive siblings.

The winners of each junior age-group category won the right to escort the Challenge Wanaka winners across the finish line during the long-distance triathlon next Saturday.

The children's triathlon launched a week-long triathlon festival in Wanaka, which includes a 5km fun run at 6pm today and a 1.9km lake swim at 7am on Wednesday.