New events section launched!

Published 2021-07-29

If you love to travel, meet new people and enjoy active adventures, why not sign up for one of many memorable events happening around the Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails?

We’ve just launched a new Events section on nzcycletrail.com. It features 20 of the biggest and best events happening on our Great Rides and Heartland Rides.

These events run the gamut, from super-family-friendly and big on fun, to more serious missions for competitive types keen to push their limits, including ultra-runs and bikepacking epics such as the Tour Aotearoa and Kōpiko.

Some events focus on biking, others on walking or running, and some combine all three. One or two are really just an excuse to eat, drink and be merry in the company of a big bunch of new friends.

Lynley Twyman, manager of the Timber Trail and Mountains to Sea Ngā Ara Tūhono, has participated in sporting events for more than 20 years. ‘I’ve lost track of how many I’ve done, although there’s definitely eight Ironman distance events in the count.’

‘There are so many reasons I keep entering – the aspiration, the camaraderie, the sense of achievement,’ Lynley says. ‘Events give me a focus – and give me reasons to visit and experience new places!’

One of the events featured in our new section is The Taniwha, which takes place on the Waikato River Trails each November. It’s the perfect event for families, newbies and big social groups with an entry category for everyone. There are three bike (and e-bike) courses and four walking and running ones starting at a 7km doddle!


Dad and Superboy flying along the Waikato River Trails on The Taniwha.


If you’re looking for something even less energetic, look no further than Eat Taste Central, Central Otago's month-long food and wine festival held each October. There’s no race bib,  starting gun or photo finish, and (sadly) no champagne explosion on the podium (although there may be pinot noir). Just sit back and relax in the saddle, and celebrate local flavours in cafes, restaurants and wineries on or near the Roxburgh Gorge, Clutha Gold, Otago Central Rail Trail and Lake Dunstan cycle trails.

Many events take you down the road less travelled and into the realms of New Zealand’s natural and human history. Ōpōtiki's Motu Challenge, regarded as the North Island’s premier multisport event, features a stage on the historic Motu Road in the beautiful backblocks of the eastern Bay of Plenty. It has several race categories including a 160km bike challenge and two duathlons.


The spectacular Motu Road, a feature stage on the Motu Challenge (Mead Norton Photography)


Taking place on the wild and wonderful West Coast, Ride the Wilderness also folds rich history and stunning scenery into its annual biking event. It offers various rides and relays, from the 21km cruise from Kumara to Greymouth, up to the epic 126km covering the whole West Coast Wilderness Trail from Ross to Greymouth.

Whet your West Coast appetite with this video.


Whizzing through wonderful West Coast rainforest on the Ride the Wilderness.


With so many trails in top condition and enthusiastic crews creating and running awesome events throughout the country, there's never been a better time to be active, be social, and get inspired to ride.

Choose your next event here, and get training!