Tineli Huka Challenge

- bringing back the Challenge

Across approx. 75km of incredible mountain bike tracks (some of the best in the country), the Huka Challenge will wind you in and out of pine forests, through beautiful native bush and provide the most epic views over Lake Taupō.

But it’s no ride in the park, so don’t think you’ll get by with a few weekend sessions. Make sure you block out plenty of time to get stuck into some serious training - which is all part of the fun, right? 

And what makes this event even more special, it’s helping to celebrate all the hard yakka put in by the team at Bike Taupō to get Craters Mountain Bike Park up and running again. Cycle Gabrielle tore through the park in February 2023, leaving some serious damage in its wake. But the tracks are back, and better than ever.

So, what are you waiting for? If you want a challenge, this is one event you don’t want to miss out on.  

Course Outline 2026

To be confirmed…

Distance

Approx 75km

Vertical Climb

TBC

Entry Fee From

$194*

*Pricing details Click Here

  • Start Time:
    TBC

    Start Line:
    Tongariro St

    Finish Line:
    Tongariro St


    Registration:
    Great Lake Centre Taupo
    Friday from 12pm till 8pm and

  • Start group 1 - Ride Time Under 4:00 hr

    Start group 2 - Ride Time 4:00-5:00 hrs

    Start group - Ride Time 5+ hrs

  • Aid Stations:

    TBC

    We will have a water stop and hydration point at The Hub, and you can slip in and get some food and a Short Black if you need one to keep you going. This will be approximately 27km into the ride. We will have marshals on the tracks to help pick up the broken bits but in true MTB style you have to look after yourself.

    R-Line Electrolyte Drink will also be available on the course.

  • Road access is available to:

    Spa Park
    Aratiatia
    Kefi Cafe
    Craters MTB Park

  • Management reserves the right to remove riders from the MTB course if it’s apparent they will not complete the event before 3pm, or it is deemed the safety of themselves, or others could be compromised. The cut-off times are as follows:

    TBC

  • This year’s age groups are:

    19 and under

    20 - 29

    30 - 39

    40 - 49

    50 - 59

    60 - 69

    70+

  • To ride the event alone the child must be 15 or over.

    If your child is between 12 -15 and you will be accompanying them for the full duration of their ride please email info@cyclechallenge.com for entry information.

  • Electric bikes are permitted as part of this event category and will be timed separately from the non assisted bikes. We will not be supplying charging stations around the course. Please ensure you register in the ebike event category when you enter online.