River ride glow night delight

14 Aug 2025 • By Mary Anne Gill

Te Awa River Ride Light Night

More than 2700 people—and several brightly lit dogs—turned out for the third annual Te Awa River Ride Light Night on Saturday, making it the most successful event since its inception.

Fundraiser efforts: The Cambridge High School first XI ran a sausage sizzle to raise funds, from left Sophie Wiseman, Elin Gainsford, Kayla Heath and Keeley Rodger. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Despite heavy rain the day before, Te Awa River Ride Charitable Trust trail manager and Olympic gold medallist Sarah Ulmer made the call to go ahead. Her decision was rewarded with a clear, moonlit evening that drew over a thousand more attendees than last year.

Te Awamutu River Night Ride

The 3.5km stretch from the Velodrome to the Gaslight Theatre was alive with colour and activity all night. New light installations added to the festive atmosphere, while food trucks and market stalls at the Velodrome kept the crowds fuelled and entertained.

A highlight of the evening was Wag, the giant illuminated dog sculpture, now permanently installed outside the Gaslight Theatre. A new sculpture is also set to be unveiled soon, adding to the trail’s growing collection of public art.

The Light Night event in Ngāruawāhia, held last month for the second time, also drew strong community support, cementing the event’s place as a regional favourite.