Lake Taupo CYCLE CHALLENGE

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26 – 29 November 2026 (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 100km ride. 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.

Look forward to seeing you in Taupo,

Day 1, Thursday 26 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 airport hotel the night before.) Ideally, we would like to get away by 9am. It's about a 4hr drive to Taupo.

First stop – coffee and lunch at the Cambridge Velodrome which is about halfway. We have organised a guided walking tour of this amazing facility. The Cambridge’s velodrome has hosted three UCI World Cup track cycling events since opening over 10 years ago. The team is committed to developing the sport and sharing the passion and knowledge for the sport in general.

We plan to arrive in Taupo late afternoon and put all the bikes together before popping out for a short 20km bike path loop. Just to make sure things are working properly. Our mechanics will be on standby.

Tonight, we’ve picked one of Taupo’s best restaurants. It's all about share plates tonight. You certainly won't go hungry on this trip. 

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud.

/ Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Ps, in previous years we’ve had everyone arrive the previous night. (Night of the 25^th. Please book at the Novotel) We’ll get together for a drink, meal if that happens again in 2026.

Day 2, Friday 27 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. The falls has enough power to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in just 11 seconds. You will hear the roar of the Falls before you see them. We will also offer an (optional) ride extension to the very unique L'Arte  cafe & gallery for coffee before returning to Taupo.

All rides 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 and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Day 3, Saturday 28 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 48th 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 RH sausage sizzle and glass of wine or beer. 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 29 November

Back to Auckland

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

For those leaving the country today – we’ll depart at 9am. (after a leisurely café breakfast) Please don’t arrange flights before 3pm. Ideally a wee bit later.

Thank you for joining Ride Holidays. 

We look forward to seeing you on a longer trip sometime in the future.