"The most fun you can have on two wheels with a mouthful of mud. Love this place I wish we had trails this good in Aus."
- Gary Walker, Brisbane, Australia
EPIC EVENTS IN ROTORUA
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Mountain Bike Rotorua sponsors, operates and supports a range of events in Rotorua and the Whakarewarewa Forest. Click the links below to learn more about specific events.
​GROMS, GET READY TO SEND IT!
Here is a new event series all about KIDS GIVING IT A GO!
Three races designed just for riders aged 7–12 (14 for ladies) on grade 3 or similar trails (all features either rollable or have ride arounds). The race difficulty gets harder as the season goes on. This is the perfect introduction for up and coming kids to experience timed race runs in a safe and inclusive environment.
This race series is about having fun and being introduced to racing. There are Girls and Boys podiums for all age categories, spot prizes to be won and a professionally managed event. Fun times on bikes.
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MOONRIDE
One of the most iconic mountain bike events ever created in Aotearoa New Zealand is back!
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The iconic Cateye Moonride is making its return to Rotorua and it’s set to light up Waipa with good vibes, fast laps, and full-moon energy (yes, we know we are not exactly on the full moon date but the energy will still be there...).
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The beauty of these events is that the podium places are a battleground that can see a cross-country machine, passionate Enduro rider, mad downhill rider, or even social weekend warrior push to the front. Skills, fitness and tactics play an equal role in the execution of each ‘Race Stage’ timed run over the course of the event to decide who will be crowned gravity champions.
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Encouraging riders to develop their fitness and skills through the season, each event will get progressively a little harder (fitness and skill wise), gradually challenging riders so by the end of the season they are in the best riding form of their lives.
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GIANT LEGENDS ENDURO SERIES
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The Giant Legends Enduro Series races are events for everyone young to old, who love riding their Mountain bikes, cruising up the hills and racing down. They draw in the riders who seek to have fun and hone their skills on flowing downhill trails.
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The beauty of these events is that the podium places are a battleground that can see a cross-country machine, passionate Enduro rider, mad downhill rider, or even social weekend warrior push to the front. Skills, fitness and tactics play an equal role in the execution of each ‘Race Stage’ timed run over the course of the event to decide who will be crowned gravity champions.
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Encouraging riders to develop their fitness and skills through the season, each event will get progressively a little harder (fitness and skill wise), gradually challenging riders so by the end of the season they are in the best riding form of their lives.
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LEGEND OF THE PEAKS
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"The Ultimate Trail Running Festival"
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Based in Rotorua, the Geothermal, Cultural and Adventure mecca of Aotearoa New Zealand, the Legend of the Peaks festival provides running and walking events for all levels of fitness with distances starting from 2kms for kids tothe New Zealand Forest Marathon covering 42kms of off-road trail running and the pinnacle event, the Whaka Ultra 50K.
Legend of the Peaks is an epic combination of amazing trails, with a festival vibe that includes expo, music, food and good times.
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CRANKWORX ROTORUA
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Dive into the roots of Crankworx in legendary Rotorua, Aotearoa New Zealand, where the magic of mountain biking meets the famous hero dirt.
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From March 11 – 15, 2026, Crankworx Rotorua will offer a dynamic mix of elite competitions, participatory events, and cultural celebrations. With events ranging from Downhill to Slopestyle, the festival caters to every level of rider. This year, athletes will battle for crucial points in the King & Queen of Crankworx standings while fans cheer on their favourites in Rotorua’s unique, family-friendly atmosphere.
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The MTB National Championships are heading back to Rotorua for 2026, the Downhill Nationals will be staged as part of Crankworx Rotorua during 11 – 15 March, and the Cross Country and Short Track Nationals will be held on 20 – 22 March.
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