Try Off Road Taupō

32KM mOUNTAIN bIKE

Course Summary

Hop on your bike for a heart-pounding 32km adventure through some of Taupō’s most iconic mountain biking terrain. The course kicks off on the Rotary Track, warming you up with rolling trails before plunging into the otherworldly landscape of Craters of the Moon. Here, riders tackle a challenging 5km Grade 4 track, weaving through rugged volcanic terrain and thrilling singletrack.

Exiting through the tunnel, the route turns right and heads back toward town, descending past the Control Gates Bridge before a sharp left onto Acid Drop, a technical section designed to get your adrenaline pumping. From there, the trail flows onto the scenic River Track, offering breathtaking views and smooth, flowing terrain as you make your way toward the AJ Hackett Bungy.

The final stretch drops you into an exhilarating finish line, leaving you with the satisfaction of conquering a course packed with climbs, descents, and unforgettable scenery.

 

Map & Info

Elevation Gain:

578M

COURSE Description:

Hop on your bike for a heart-pounding 32km adventure through some of Taupō’s most iconic mountain biking terrain. The course kicks off on the Rotary Track, warming you up with rolling trails before plunging into the otherworldly landscape of Craters of the Moon. Here, riders tackle a challenging 5km Grade 4 track, weaving through rugged volcanic terrain and thrilling singletrack.

Exiting through the tunnel, the route turns right and heads back toward town, descending past the Control Gates Bridge before a sharp left onto Acid Drop, a technical section designed to get your adrenaline pumping. From there, the trail flows onto the scenic River Track, offering breathtaking views and smooth, flowing terrain as you make your way toward the AJ Hackett Bungy.

The final stretch drops you into an exhilarating finish line, leaving you with the satisfaction of conquering a course packed with climbs, descents, and unforgettable scenery.

Aid Stations:

All aid stations are proudly sponsored by PURE, and will be fully stocked with water and PURE electrolyte to help keep you fueled and hydrated throughout the race. Aid stations are located at key points along the course: 5 km, 8 km, 11 km, 25 km, 33.5 km, 37.5 km, and 43 km.

This is a cup-free event, so all participants must carry a reusable bottle or hydration system to refill at aid stations.

While aid stations are there to support you, it’s essential to carry enough food and fluids to get through each section of the course. Please plan ahead, particularly for the longer distances between aid stations.

The Details

12th December 2026

Start Time

7:45am

Start Line

Spa park, Taupō

Finish Line

Spa park, Taupō

Race Briefing:

It is compulsory for you to attend your race briefing that will be held 15min prior to race start. It will include up-to-date courses and weather conditions. The briefing will be based on you having read all the information sent to you pertaining to your event.

Athlete Check-in:

Event Registration Details

  • Date & Time: Friday, 11th December, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Location: IPPNZ Showroom, 2/258 Spa Road

 

Late Registration:

  • A $30 late fee applies (payable by cash or bank transfer).
  • Late registration is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed if the event is SOLD OUT.

Pick-up on Event Day: Late registration pick-up will be available at Spa Park from 5:00 am.

Timing Results:

Timing results will be provided by age group category. (age on race day) group categories are as follows for men and women; 18-20, 20 – 39, 40 – 49, 50 – 59, 60 – 69, 70+

Prizes:

All 32km MTB  finishers will receive a Finisher Medal.

Prizegiving:

Prizegiving will be near the finish line at Spa Park (rain or shine) at 3.00pm.
Major spot prizes will be drawn at random, and you must be present to claim a major spot prize. Once again, there is a fantastic range of major spot prizes.

Top 3 male and female runners in each distance will be awarded at prizegiving. No age group placings will be acknowledged or awarded, however they will show in the results.

Entry Info

READY. SET. REGISTER!

Early bird entries are NOW OPEN!

⚡️ Limited spots available – secure yours before 30th April 2026 or until sold out! This is your moment to lock in the best price and guarantee your place at the start line.

EArly Bird

Until 30 April 2026 (or until sold out!)

32km Mountain Bike

$95

Standard Entry

01 May to 30 November 2026

32km Mountain Bike

$110

Late Entry

01 December to 10 December 2026

32km Mountain Bike

$125

The sooner you commit, the more you save – and the sooner you can start training for something EPIC. Don’t wait. Don’t miss out.
👇 Hit that register button and let’s gooo!

Please note:

  • All entry prices are shown in New Zealand dollars exclusive of a $5 booking fee
  • Late entries will be accepted in person at Athlete Check-In, unless sold out prior. Registration fee + a $30 late entry fee will occur.


Entry inclusions:

Entry includes Finishers Medal + Chip Timed Results + On-Course Nutrition + Category winners prizes

Spectator Zones

Start & Finish (Spa Park)

– 281 Spa Road, Tauhara, Taupō 

Huka Falls Mountain Biking Carpark

– 415 Huka Falls Road, Taupō