Tineli Huka Challenge

- bringing back the Challenge

Across approx. 70km 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? 

The Huka Challenge gives you the chance to experience some of the region’s iconic landmarks including; AJ Hackett Bungy, Huka Falls, Aratiatia Dam, and alongside the steamy silica thermal stream at Wairakei.

This event makes use of the fast, free-flowing, predominantly pumice-based tracks of the forest and includes certain purpose-built tracks of the Craters Mountain Bike Park, some of the best XC trails New Zealand has to offer, including trails such as Snakes and Ladders, Debs Track, Mr and Mrs, Coaster, Outback, Steamfields, Dire Straights, and Waipouwerawera.

The final leg of the Huka Challenge will provide you with outstanding views of Lake Taupō and the mountains beyond before you hit the home stretch via ‘Acid Drop’, across the mighty Waikato River and the iconic MTB bridge, erected especially for the event.

You then head past the Taupō Marina before crossing the finish line back in the heart of Taupō town centre where you can celebrate and immerse yourself in the hype of the event village.

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

Distance

Approx 70km

Vertical Climb

1081m

Entry Fee From

$194*

*Pricing details Click Here

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  • Start Time:
    7.45am

    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 3 - Ride Time 5+ hrs

  • Aid Stations:

    The Hub at 24km
    Connection at 35km
    Connection at 39km
    Outback at 51km
    The Hub at 64km

    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 24km and again at 64km 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:

    The Hub (24km) - 10.00am
    Connection (39km) - 11.00am
    Waipouwerawera (56km) - 12.15pm

    Management may also request riders to take a shorter course within Craters Park in order to finish safely in good time

  • 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.