Getting amongst it, on the Karapiro Cruiser.

The best view for Maadi supporters has to be from out on the water.

The Karapiro Cruiser glides alongside lane one of the race course giving patrons a close up seat  to the rowing.

Jo Chelley, a Whakatane High parent supporter, said everyone who comes to the rowing should come on this. “You get a great view, and you can see how far they have to row. They come a long way.”

Owner Sandy McKenzie said floating by the rowers during a race gave patrons an insight to what it is like in the boats.

 “It’s really exciting when they have the quads, and eight’s, races because they have the coxes on board, so you get to hear them encouraging their teams, and you feel apart of the action.”

The cruise is approximately 45 minutes long.

Travelling from the tower, it makes its way down to the start line where it sits to watch a few races before returning.

A lot of the people who come aboard say that their favorite part is watching the starts.

The cruiser takes cruises every hour from 11am at $10 a ride for adults, and $5 per child.