Tackle 60km of iconic Rotorua singletrack, from Te Puia’s geothermal wonders through the Whakarewarewa Forest, finishing at the stunning shores of Lake Tikitapu. With a big mix of climbing, flow, and classic forest terrain, it’s a proper day out and the kind of ride you’ll feel in the best way. A solid challenge for riders who love earning their views and covering real mileage.
Course
Distance: 62.7km
Total Climbing: 1729m
Trail Grade: Mostly 1-3 with some grade 4
Total Climbing: 1729m
Trail Grade: Mostly 1-3 with some grade 4
TRAIL GRADING
The course requires a moderate-level of technical skill with the majority of the trails being on grades 1-3 and a touch of easier grade 4 trails. 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 trails being on grades 1-3 and a touch of easier grade 4 trails. 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.
WATER STATIONS
There is a self-service water station on the course, stocked with water and PURE Electrolytes. The water station can fill a standard CamelBak water bottle in approximately 55 seconds. Not sure how much water you need? Use the CamelBak hydration calculator for guidance.
The Tikitapu Water Station is located at:
There is a self-service water station on the course, stocked with water and PURE Electrolytes. The water station can fill a standard CamelBak water bottle in approximately 55 seconds. Not sure how much water you need? Use the CamelBak hydration calculator for guidance.
The Tikitapu Water Station is located at:
- 30.13km | Tikitapu Rd Crossing
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. .
Course cut offs
Course cut offs are set for event safety and course management. They are based on a 9.6 km/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.
- Start Wave 1 | 7:35am
- Estimated finish time of 3:45hrs - 4:45hrs
- Average speed 14km/h+
- Start Wave 2 | 7:45am
- Estimated finish time of 4:45hrs - 5:45hrs
- Average speed 11.2 km/h - 13.5 km/h
- Start Wave 3 | 7:55am
- Estimated finish time of 5:45hrs+
- Average speed 9.6km/h - 11.1 km/h
Course cut offs
Course cut offs are set for event safety and course management. They are based on a 9.6 km/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.
- CP 1 - 11:05am | 30.13km Tikitapu Water Station
- CP2 - 2:33pm | 62.7km Lake Tikitapu 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 Lake Tikitapu. 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 Lake Tikitapu, 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 Lake Tikitapu, 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 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 Puia's Southern Carpark during start times.
- Walk to Start Line: A short 2–5 minute walk from the carpark.
