Craig Savage and Fiona Crombie won the event in hot but windy conditions, timing their runs to perfection.
The race did not take place last year but it was welcomed back yesterday when competitors faced a choppy lake to start the event.
It was over the regulation triathlon distances and also doubled as the South Island championships.
Invercargill's Robert Huisman led the men off the bike and into the 10km run, pleased no doubt to be away from the wind on the cycle leg and at least able to find a little shelter on the 10km run course.
The 22-year-old looked strong as he left transition but could not hold off Savage.
Savage (23) said all the training he had done put him in a good place yesterday.
''I arrived and had good feelings about today knowing the training I have done,'' Savage said.
''I lost some time in the swim, but my bike was strong. I caught up and had a good run. I caught up to Robert after maybe a couple of kilometres into the run and we ran together, to and fro, for a while until I made a move, maybe 3km from the finish. I was feeling good and got a gap and took it to the finish.''
Wanaka's Dougal Allan finished third.
Crombie (32) is a former track athlete, who competed in Dunedin for a few years while attending the University of Otago. Two years ago she switched to triathlons and yesterday was her first win.
She found the swim tough and was helped by running with some male competitors.
''I swam through some of the men which was challenging, but a good honest tough swim. I came out of the swim in good shape and ahead which I was happy with. That is something we have been working on,'' she said.
''I just looked to stay ahead and get to the run in front. I had a few guys go by me but I was happy on a good testing course.''
New Plymouth's Hannah Sturmer finished second while Laura Wood, from Christchurch, finished third.
