It was a cold start for Winter Festival participants today, as some plunged into Lake Wakatipu for the Birdman Competition.
Ten teams took part in the event with colour and creativity a definite theme.
SkyCity Queenstown Casino dressed up as Angry Birds characters, singing and dancing to the Birdie Song before being catapulted into the lake.
Queenstown Lakes District Council staff adopted a topical theme - traffic, demonstrated by campervan, car and traffic light costumes.
Before hitting the water Kate Winter said she was excited to take part in something so fun.
The event was hosted by Coast to Coast champion Steve Gurney and local radio jock and councillor Craig 'Ferg' Ferguson.
Fun continued on the waterfront this afternoon with the Undy 500 Race and a new Raft Race event.
Shotover Jet claimed the inaugural title. Skipper for the day Donald Boyer, a jet boat driver, said it was a great event and the team were pretty excited to take home the win.
