Try Off Road Taupō
Triathlon
Course Summary
Ready for the ultimate off-road challenge? This triathlon is designed to test your endurance, skill, and grit across three exciting disciplines. Start with a fast-paced 1.6km swim down the stunning Waikato River, then conquer a 32km bike course full of climbs, descents, and some singletracks. Finish strong with a 10km trail run through the spectacular Huka Falls/Rotary Trail loop, capped off with a stairway to the finish. If you’re looking for a triathlon that pushes your limits, this is the race for you!
Map & Info
Swim Description:
Starting at Cherry Island, you’ll dive into the action with a fast-paced 1.6km swim down the powerful Waikato River, exiting at the stunning Spa Park
Elevation Gain:
Bike Description:
Course:
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:
Aid stations are proudly sponsored by PURE, and will be fully stocked with water, PURE electrolyte, lollies, chips, and pretzels to help keep you fueled and hydrated throughout the race. Aid stations are available for the 32K Mountain Bike, 6K, 8K, and 24K courses.
This is a cup-free event, so all participants must carry a reusable bottle or hydration system to refill at aid stations.
Elevation Gain:
Run Description:
Course:
The challenge continues with a 10km trail run, where you’ll weave through the awe-inspiring Huka Falls/Rotary Trail loop, pushing your endurance to the max. And just when you think you’re almost there, test your grit with a stairway climb followed by a speedy descent to the finish.
Aid Stations:
All aid stations are proudly sponsored by PURE and offer water and PURE electrolyte to help keep you hydrated and energized. Self-service stations are located at 3 km and 7.8 km along the course.
This is a cup-free event, so please bring a reusable bottle or hydration system to refill as needed.
While aid stations are available to support you, it’s important to carry enough food and fluids to stay fueled and hydrated throughout the race.
The Details
12th December 2026
1.6km
River Swim
32km
Mountain BikeElevation gain 578m
10km
Trail RunElevation gain 204m
Start Time
7:45am
Transition Opens
5:00am
Start Line
149 Waikato Street, Cherry island, Taupō
Finish Line
Spa park, Taupō
Pre - Race Transport
Pre-race shuttle from Spa Park to Cherry Island (swim start) $10:00pp, purchase at time of entry. This must be pre booked, no bookings will be taken after 10th December 2026.
Distance from Spa Park to Cherry island (Swim start) – 2.2km/ Allow a minimum of 30 min walk from transition.
Bag Drop (Swim only)
A bag drop service will be available for swimmers who wish to transport their gear from the start line to the finish line pre-race.
How it works:
- Place the allocated bag drop number sticker on the bag you wish to use for bag drop.
- Drop your bag at the swim start. It will be transported to the Late Registration tent at the venue.
Important Information:
- Please do not leave valuables in your bag, as this service is provided at your own risk.
- Only one bag per athlete.
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 for all categories will be held on Friday, 11th December, at IPPNZ Showroom 2/258 Spa Road, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Late registration pick up will also be available on the day of the event 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; 15 – 19, 20 – 24, 25 – 29, 30 – 34, 35 – 39, 40 – 44, 45- 49, 50 – 54, 55 – 59, 60 – 69, 70+
Prizes:
All off road triathlon finishers will receive a Finisher Medal.
Prizegiving:
Top 3 male and female individual & Top 3 teams across the line will be awarded at prizegiving. No age group placings will be acknowledged or awarded, however they will show in the results.
Team important info:
Key Rule:
You must transfer the team transponder to the next team member in the designated transition zone. The next athlete cannot start their leg until they have received it. Make sure the transponder is securely attached before leaving the transition area.
Team Transition Process:
- Swimmer → hands transponder to MTB rider in Transition
- MTB rider → hands transponder to Runner in Transition
- Runner → crosses finish line wearing the transponder
Additional Reminders:
- Only the active athlete should be in the transition zone to avoid congestion.
- Ensure each team member knows their transition area before race morning.
- All team members are welcome to join the runner in the final chute!
Spectator Zones
Start line (Swim Cherry Island)
-149 Waikato Street, Taupō
Huka Falls Mountain Biking Carpark
– 415 Huka Falls Road, Taupō
Huka Falls (3K Aid Station of Run leg)
– 331 Huka Falls Road, Wairakei, Taupō
Finish/ Transition (Spa Park)
– 281 Spa Road, Tauhara, Taupō
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!)
Off Road Triathlon - Individual
$180
Off Road Triathlon - Team
$195
Standard Entry
01 May to 30 November 2026
Off Road Triathlon - Individual
$195
Off Road Triathlon - Team
$225
Late Entry
01 December to 10 December 2025
Off Road Triathlon - Individual
$210
Off Road Triathlon - Team
$245
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
IMPORTANT! –Wetsuit Biosecurity – Check, Clean & Dry
All athletes must ensure their wetsuit and gear follow the Check, Clean & Dry protocol. This will be a requirement for participation, and athletes will be asked about compliance upon registration. If you are unsure whether your wetsuit meets the protocol, we can dip and treat your wetsuit at registration so it’s safe to bring to the event.
Didymo is an invasive microscopic alga that is almost impossible to remove once established. Prevention is the only effective control — thank you for helping protect our waterways.
For those who want to prepare at home, step-by-step instructions and photos on how to check and clean your wetsuit safely will be provided below.
