Triathlon
TriathlonNew Zealand
IRONMAN New Zealand
Taupō, Bay of Plenty·Date to be confirmed
The southern hemisphere's oldest IRONMAN, raced on the shores of Lake Taupō.
CyclingNew Zealand
Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge
Taupō, Waikato·Date to be confirmed·160 km Round the Lake / 80 km Solo / Enduro (2x 160 km)
Col de Sud is an independent coaching and information platform. Event details may change. Always confirm dates, entry requirements and course information with the official event organiser.
Quick Information
At a glance.
Location
📍 Taupō, Waikato, New Zealand
Usually Held
🗓 Late November
2026 Event Date
Date to be confirmed
Distances
160 km Round the Lake · 80 km Solo · Enduro (2x 160 km)
Course Type
Road
Difficulty
Intermediate
Entries
Opening Soon
Official Website
Last Updated
November 2025
Countdown
Race date to be confirmed
Preparing for this event?
Recommended plan: Endurance Road Cycling Program.
- ✔First 160 km ride
- ✔Round the Lake finish
- ✔Sub 5 hour goal
Overview
The event.
The Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge is New Zealand's largest and most iconic road cycling event. Riders complete a full 160 km loop of Lake Taupō, the country's largest lake, on rolling volcanic terrain with jaw-dropping views of the central plateau volcanoes. First held in 1977, the event now draws thousands of riders each late November across the solo, team, half-lap and Enduro options. It is a gran fondo, a personal challenge and a slice of New Zealand cycling heritage in a single day.
Rolling international field, dawn start on the lake foreshore, and a full festival village in Taupō for the weekend.
Who it suitsRiders who can comfortably ride 3–4 hours, chasing a 160 km personal challenge or a Round the Lake finish.
Distances
160 km Round the Lake
80 km Solo
Enduro (2x 160 km)
Course Breakdown
The route.
- Distance
- 160 km loop
- Elevation
- ~1,500 m
- Surface
- Sealed road, mostly open with rolling closures
- Major climbs
- Waihi Hill (~4 km), Hatepe Hill (~3 km sting in the tail)
- Feed zones
- Five official feed zones with water, food, mechanical support
- Technical sections
- Fast open-road descents, changeable lakeside wind
Difficulty Snapshot
Col de Sud assessment.
Endurance
Climbing
Technical
Weather exposure
Beginner suitability
General Col de Sud assessment — not an official event rating.
Typical Conditions
What to expect.
- Temperature
- 8–22 °C
- Humidity
- Moderate
- Wind
- Can be strong lakeside
- Rain likelihood
- Possible
- Water temperature
- TBC
- Altitude
- ~360 m base
How to Train
Preparing your body.
Recommended preparation
16 weeks with a rolling-terrain long ride emphasis.
Long sessions
Long rides progressing to 160 km with 1,500 m climbing.
Strength training
Weekly strength in the base and build phases.
Recovery
One rest, one easy day per week; deload every 4 weeks.
Course-specific prep
Practise sustained 45–90 minute tempo — Hatepe Hill comes at 140 km.
Nutrition practice
Rehearse 70–90 g carbs/hour, sports drink + real food.
Equipment testing
Standard road setup; 25–28 mm tyres for smooth volcanic road surface.
Key weekly sessions
- — Long endurance ride 3–5 hours
- — Sweetspot intervals
- — VO2 or threshold session
- — 1–2 easy rides
Race Weekend Guide
Plan your trip.
Travel
Fly to Rotorua or Auckland, drive 1–3 hours to Taupō.
Accommodation
Book Taupō lakeside accommodation early — options fill quickly.
Packet collection
Friday and Saturday at the Great Lake Centre.
Parking
Free lakeside parking near start.
Public transport
Event runs from Taupō itself — no shuttle required.
Weather
Late spring — cool morning, warm afternoon. Wind can be a factor.
What to pack
Rain jacket, gilet, arm warmers, gels, spare tubes.
Nutrition
Two full bottles + 4–6 gels for the 160 km.
Recovery
DeBretts Hot Pools for a soak after the ride.
Local cafés
Storehouse or Espresso Workshop in central Taupō.
After the race
Stay for Huka Falls, Tongariro Alpine Crossing or a Rotorua day trip.
Equipment Checklist
What to pack.
Safety
- Helmet
- ID + emergency contact
Kit
- Cycling shoes
- Rain jacket / gilet
- Gloves (full and half finger)
Nutrition
- Race nutrition (gels, bars)
- Bottles / hydration mix
Mechanical
- Spare tubes x2
- CO₂ inflator + cartridges
- Mini pump
- Multi-tool + tyre levers
Tech
- GPS computer + charger
- Front & rear lights
- Power bank
Comfort
- Chamois cream
- Sunscreen
Frequently Asked
Questions we hear.
How hilly is the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge?+
Rolling with around 1,500 m of climbing. The 3 km Hatepe Hill at 140 km is the sting in the tail.
What is the Enduro option?+
Enduro riders complete two full 160 km laps in a single day — 320 km total.
What weather should I expect?+
Late spring — 8–22 °C, sometimes windy on the exposed western side of the lake.
Is the course closed to traffic?+
Roads remain open with rolling closures and marshalled intersections; ride to the road rules.
When do entries open?+
Entries usually open in autumn for the late November event.
Col de Sud Coaching
Train for your next mountain.
Preparing for this event? Col de Sud can help you build a realistic plan around your fitness, experience, work and family commitments.
Related Events
You might also consider.
Triathlon
TriathlonNew Zealand
Challenge Wānaka
Wānaka, Otago·Date to be confirmed
Alpine half and full-distance racing in the Southern Lakes.
Running
RunningNew Zealand
Motatapu Off-Road Marathon
Wānaka to Arrowtown, Otago·Date to be confirmed
A remote, high-country off-road marathon across the mountains between Wānaka and Arrowtown.
Off-Road Marathon (42 km) · Trail Half Marathon (21 km) · Ultra Run (51 km)
Last details checked: November 2025