IRONMAN New Zealand, the first international IRONMAN outside Hawaii, is held in Taupō on Saturday 6 March 2027 alongside IRONMAN 70.3 New Zealand, as part of the IRONMAN Pro Series. Athletes swim 3.8 km in Lake Taupō, cycle 180 km and run 42.2 km. Watching is free, and the finish line on the lakefront stays lively until late at night.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- Saturday 6 March 2027
- Where
- Lake Taupō and Taupō town
- Watching
- Free, all day and into the night
- Races
- IRONMAN (3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, 42.2 km run) and IRONMAN 70.3 (half distance)
- Pros
- Part of the IRONMAN Pro Series
- Athletes
- 18 and over on race day
- Traffic
- Expect road closures around Taupō on race day
- From Auckland
- About 270 km and 3 hours 20 minutes' drive (estimate)
What it is
IRONMAN New Zealand was the first IRONMAN held outside Hawaii. It started in 1985 at Mission Bay in Auckland, with 340 competitors, as the first internationally licensed qualifier for the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. After outgrowing Auckland it moved in 1999 to Taupō, on the shore of Australasia’s largest freshwater lake, and it has been there ever since. Kiwi legend Cameron Brown won the race 12 times.
In 2027 it is part of the IRONMAN Pro Series, so the triathlon world’s biggest names race alongside thousands of age-group athletes, nearly half of them from overseas. IRONMAN 70.3 New Zealand, the half-distance race, is held the same weekend.
What to expect
A full day of sport and a big community atmosphere:
- Early morning: the mass swim start in Lake Taupō, 3.8 km
- Day: a 180 km bike course through the countryside around Taupō
- Afternoon to late night: a 42.2 km marathon on loops through town and along the lakefront
The professionals finish in the afternoon, but the most moving part is the evening, when age-group athletes cross the line after 12, 14 or 16 hours to big cheers. Local volunteers and supporters are a big part of the atmosphere. Coverage is broadcast live around the world.
Who it suits
Sport fans, families and anyone in Taupō that weekend. You can drop in for an hour or spend the whole day following the race.
Entering
Entries are online through ironman.com and paid by debit or credit card. Athletes must be 18 or over on race day, and must check in and rack their bike in person during the advertised hours in race week. Full-distance relays are not available.
Getting there
Taupō is in the centre of the North Island. Estimated drive times:
- Rotorua: about 80 km, 1 hour 10 minutes
- Tauranga: about 150 km, 2 hours
- Napier: about 140 km, 2 hours 10 minutes
- Auckland: about 270 km, 3 hours 20 minutes
- Wellington: about 370 km, 5 hours
Taupō Airport has domestic flights. Expect road closures and delays around town on race day, so walk to watch if you can.
Where to stay
Race weekend is one of Taupō’s busiest, with athletes and supporters booking a year ahead. Book as soon as you can, or stay in nearby towns. Our things to do in Taupō guide covers the main areas.
What to bring
Sunscreen, a hat and water for daytime watching, and a warm layer for the evening finish. Lakefront evenings can be cool in March.
Make a trip of it
Taupō is a base for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Huka Falls and the lake itself: see our things to do in Taupō guide. Rotorua is an hour away.
FAQ
When is IRONMAN New Zealand 2027?
Where is the best place to watch?
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Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
