Lake Taupo CYCLE CHALLENGE

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27 – 30 November 2025 (4 days / 3 nights)

Ride Holidays has been an official partner of the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge for over a decade. We want to encourage more international cyclists to come to New Zealand for this great event. It’s our job to make it easy for you. All you have to do is book your plane ticket. We'll take care of everything else.

Over 4 days you’ll experience the best of what the Taupo region has to offer. The perfect mix of cycling, sightseeing, cafes, restaurants and rest.

There are a variety of events to choose from.

On the road - 160km is the full monty. Around Lake Taupo. A true but rewarding test. There’s also a shorter 60km ride from Turangi to Taupo. Let’s call this the coffee option.

The Dark Side - There are 3 Mountain Bike distances (30, 60 & 100km).

Or – be trendy. Ride the gravel wave. 83km of pure Taupo backgrounds.   

Non-riders are very welcome to join us. We will only charge you for your accommodation, transport and meals.

On the Sunday – you have the choice of heading back to Auckland or riding one of New Zealand’s best trails. Totally up to you.

Look forward to seeing you in Taupo,

Cheers, Karl

Day 1, Thursday 27 November

Welcome to New Zealand

It's great to have you here. We’ll meet you at the Auckland Airport or at one of the many airport hotels. (Recommend the Novotel.) Ideally, we would like to get away by midday. It's about a 4hr drive to Taupo.

First stop – coffee at the Cambridge Velodrome which is about halfway. There’s also a bike museum which is well worth a look.

We plan to arrive in Taupo late afternoon and put all the bikes together before popping out for a short spin. Just to make sure things are working properly. Our mechanics will be on standby.

Tonight, we’ve picked one of Taupo’s best restaurants. You really can’t go past the lamb – you are in New Zealand after all.

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud.

/ Meals Included: Dinner (coffee and cake in Cambridge)

Day 2, Friday 28 November

Expo day and some local sights

We hit the road just after breakfast. Our first goal is the 10am Aratiatia Dam release. A must here in Taupo. We'll cover a gentle 40 km ride today.

You'll also visit the magnificent Huka Falls. A foot bridge right at the top of the falls puts you in a prime position to get up close and witness the frightening display of more than 220,000 litres of water blasting by every second.

We stop for a coffee and cake late morning at the Huka Prawn Farm. The prawns are delicious however it's the view from the café deck which is the real draw card. Coffee and cake are on us. You’ll work the cake off tomorrow – we promise.

Our ride concludes at the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge Expo where you will register for tomorrow’s ride as well as having a stroll around the Sport and Lifestyle Expo.

Tomorrow will be awesome. You are in for one fantastic ride…

/ Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner is own arrangements)

Day 3, Saturday 29 November

Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge

D-Day… The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge. Riding New Zealand's benchmark cycling event begins with a single turn of a pedal. Join cyclists from countries around the globe and make 2025 your 160km Taupo Cycle Challenge year!

There are also shorter road options, mountain biking and gravel events on offer.

In its 47th year, this event is incredibly well organized. Safety is paramount, fun essential and the views are stunning.

Post ride... Saturday afternoon. Sit back on the grass and take in the entertainment on offer while enjoying a glass of wine. You are the guests of honour at the Ride Holidays marquee. You deserve it.

Tonight, we join the RH family for our traditional dinner at another of Taupo’s top restaurants. No, I don’t think you’ll lose any weight on this trip.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Day 4, Sunday 30 November

Back to Auckland or The Timber Trail

Let’s not get up at 5am. Shall we make it 6am? Just joking!!

There are a couple of options…

For those leaving the country today – we’ll depart at 9am. (after a leisurely café breakfast) Please don’tarrange flights before 3pm. Ideally a wee bit later.

The other option is that you stay in the Taupo region a bit longer. There’s a lot to do. Personally – I recommend the Timber Trail. It’s stunning. Here’s how that would look.

Day 1 – today. Transfer to Pureora Forest for a 40km trail ride to the Timber Trail Lodge. A stunning (grade 2 and 3) ride through native forest with magnificent bird life. Your bags will be at the lodge waiting for you. As will be a hot shower & dinner.

Day 2 – 01 Dec. The 2^nd half of the Timber trail (40km) which features jaw dropping swing bridges including Maramataha. (141m) It really is a beautiful ride and in my opinion – the best trail in NZ. We will meet you at the end of the day and transfer you back to Taupo.

Day 3 – 02 Dec. Transfer back to Auckland etc.  

Whatever you decide – we can guarantee you’ll be looked after.

Thank you for joining Ride Holidays. We look forward to seeing you on a longer trip sometime in the future.