Ride 30km of classic Rotorua terrain, starting at Te Puia and weaving through the Whakarewarewa Forest before rolling into Te Putake O Tawa. With a tidy mix of climbing, flow, and well-loved singletrack, the Highlander 30 delivers a fun, achievable mid-distance challenge.
Course
Distance: 31.2km
Total Climbing: 769m
Trail Grade: 1-3
Total Climbing: 769m
Trail Grade: 1-3
TRAIL GRADING
The course requires a moderate-level of technical skill with the majority of the stages being on grades 1-3. All features rollable. Navigation skills are not needed with our well-marked route.
The course requires a moderate-level of technical skill with the majority of the stages being on grades 1-3. All features rollable. 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. .
- Start Wave 0 eBikes | 7:30am
- All 30km eBikes who want to race
- Non racing ebikes can self seed into the other waves
- Start Wave 1 | 8:05am
- Estimated finish time of 1.5hrs - 2hrs
- Average speed 15km/h +
- Start Wave 2 | 8:15am
- Estimated finish time of 2hrs - 3hrs
- Average speed 10km/h - 15km/h
- Start Wave 3 | 8:25am
- Estimated finish time 3hrs+
- Average speed 7.1km/h - 10km/h
Course cut offs
Course cut offs are set for event safety and course management. They are based on a 7.1km/h average pace and factoring in terrain, weather, and based on the wave 3 start time. Riders falling behind pace will be stopped at checkpoints and removed from the course. 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. They are based on a 7.1km/h average pace and factoring in terrain, weather, and based on the wave 3 start time. Riders falling behind pace will be stopped at checkpoints and removed from the course. A team is in place to transport riders back to the venue. Additional cut-offs may be enforced in adverse weather.
- CP1 - 1:00pm | 31.2km Finish Line
FINISHER MEDALS & AWARDS
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All finishers will receive a finisher medal.
Prize giving is held at a set time as per the schedule. Podium medals & non-monetary prizes will be awarded to the overall top three male and female award categories athletes.
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Start line transport options
The Highlander MTB Challenge is a point to point event. Starting at Te Puia & finishing at Tawa MTB Carpak We have two transport + some other options to get you to the startline.
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Bike Drop & Bus Service
Included in every entry (no additional cost)
Bike Shuttle
Cost: $30 per rider
Included in every entry (no additional cost)
- Bus Departure: 6:50 AM
- On Saturday afternoon, drop your bike at our secure indoor bike racking area during registration pickup.
- On Sunday morning, park at the finish line at Tawa MTB Carpark, then board the bus for a quick 10-minute ride to the start line.
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 Tawa MTB Carpark, load your bike onto the MTB shuttle trailer, and ride the shuttle to the start line (approx. 10 minutes).
- You can collect your registration pack at the start line.
Ride to the Start Line
- Estimated Ride Time: 20–40 minutes
- Distance: 10 km with a small hill at the beginning
Park at the finish line at Tawa MTB Carpark 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 Puia's Southern Carpark during start times.
- Walk to Start Line: A short 2–5 minute walk from the carpark.
