The event draws crowds of 20,000 + to the river banks in Hamilton and is covered by national radio and television. Spectator entertainment takes on a carnival atmosphere with corporate hosting, street theatre, displays, competitions and markets, and popular NZ and local music acts performing. The day before the race the two teams compete on indoor rowing machines, initially for fun, but now used to determine starting positions for the race. The Waikato River is sacred to the local Tainui Maori tribe, and a ceremonial haka (war dance) is performed on the boat ramp and a waka (traditional Maori canoe) leads off the two crews to the start line.