The Highlander 10 is a point-to-point ride starting at Te Pūtake o Tawa and finishing on the shores of Lake Tikitapu. It’s a fun, welcoming introduction to Rotorua mountain biking, with flowing singletrack, and great scenery along the way. A perfect first step into the forest - or a quick hit of the classic Rotorua experience.
COURSE
Distance: 10.6km
Total Climbing: 275m
Trail Grade: 1-3
Total Climbing: 275m
Trail Grade: 1-3
TRAIL GRADING
The course requires a moderate-level of technical skill with the majority of the trails being on grades 1-3. Navigation skills are not needed with our well-marked route.
The course requires a moderate-level of technical skill with the majority of the trails being on grades 1-3. Navigation skills are not needed with our well-marked route.
Course is subject to change without notice, There will be margins of error across our Trailforks, Strava and the GPX maps, as well as your own devices data. The GPX file is for an indicative guide only.
START WAVES & COURSE CUT OFFS
To ensure a safe and fair event for all, we have different starting groups. Be realistic in your ability and carefully choose your start wave. You can estimate your finish time using this average speed calculator. eBike riders can self seed into the wave that suits them best.
- Start Wave 1 | 9:30am
- Estimated finish time of 30mins - 1:00hr
- Start Wave 2 | 9:40am
- Estimated finish time of 1:00hr +
Course cut offs
Course cut offs are set for event safety and course management. A team is in place to transport riders back to the venue. Additional cut-offs may be enforced in adverse weather.
Course cut offs are set for event safety and course management. A team is in place to transport riders back to the venue. Additional cut-offs may be enforced in adverse weather.
- CP1 - 12:00pm | 10.8km Lake Tikitapu Finish Line
FINISHER MEDALS & AWARDS
All finishers will receive a finisher medal. There are no podium categories in this distance
Start line transport options
The Highlander MTB Challenge is a point to point event. Starting at Te Putake O Tawa & finishing at Lake Tikitapu. We have shuttles + some other options to get you to the startline.
Bike Shuttle
Cost: $30 per rider
Bike Shuttle
Cost: $30 per rider
- Shuttle Departure: 6:30 AM
- Ideal for those unable to arrive on Saturday.
- Park at the finish line at Lake Tikitapu, load your bike onto the MTB shuttle trailer, and ride the shuttle to the start line (approx. 10 minutes).
- You will need to collect your registration pack before you use the shuttle.
Ride to the Start Line
- Estimated Ride Time: 5–10 minutes
- Distance: 2.1km with a small hill at the beginning
Park at the finish line at Lake Tikitapu and ride to the start line.
Check out the Strava map here.
Drop-Off
Participants with friends or family providing support can be dropped off at the start line.
Participants with friends or family providing support can be dropped off at the start line.
- Parking: Short-term parking is available at Te Putake O Tawa Carpark during start times.
