The Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge is on Saturday 28 November 2026. The main event, the Shimano Round the Lake, is a 160 km lap of Lake Taupō on the original 1977 route, starting in Taupō town centre at 6.45 am. Shorter road rides, mountain bike, enduro and gravel events run alongside it, so there is an option for most riders. Registration is at the Great Lake Centre.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- Saturday 28 November 2026
- Main ride
- Shimano Round the Lake, 160 km, starts 6.45 am (Start Group 9 about 6.05 am)
- Other events
- Length of the Lake, Great Lake 100, Huka Challenge, Huka Steamer, Huka Teaser, Enduro, Gravel Grind, Lakesider
- Registration
- Great Lake Centre, Taupō: Friday 12 pm to 8 pm, Saturday 6 am to 9 am
- Cut-off
- Riders who will not finish by 7 pm may be removed from the course
- Driving time
- About 3.5 hours from Auckland, 4.5 hours from Wellington
What it is
The Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge is a one-day cycling festival in Taupō, and its pillar event, the Shimano Round the Lake, is one of New Zealand’s best-known rides. In 2023 it went back to its original 1977 route: the full 160 km around Lake Taupō, the largest lake in Australasia.
The Round the Lake route
The ride starts in the heart of Taupō town centre and heads out past Waikato farmland and geothermal steam fields along Poihipi Road. It then joins State Highway 32, which brings plenty of rolling hills, including Waihaha Hill and its false summit, and the grind up Waihi Hill. After Tūrangi, riders join State Highway 1 for the run back along the length of the lake, including the steep Hatepe Hill. Organisers say that last section is the most scenic part of the course.
The main start is at 6.45 am, and you pick a start group based on your expected finish time. Riders who expect to take between 8.5 and 11.5 hours go in Start Group 9, which leaves at about 6.05 am on a slightly shorter course so they get home in time. There are also two women-only start groups. Water stops are spread around the lake, and organisers can remove riders who will not finish by 7 pm.
Who it suits
Road cyclists looking for a big milestone ride, groups of friends riding together, and anyone who would rather try a shorter road, mountain bike or gravel event. Supporters can watch the start and finish in town.
Other events on the day
As well as the Round the Lake, the festival includes the Length of the Lake, the Great Lake 100, the Huka Challenge, Huka Steamer and Huka Teaser, an Enduro, a Gravel Grind and the Lakesider. Entry fees for each are on the official site.
Registration and getting there
Registration is at the Great Lake Centre in Taupō on Friday from 12 pm to 8 pm and on Saturday from 6 am to 9 am. Taupō sits on State Highway 1 in the middle of the North Island, about 3.5 hours’ drive from Auckland and 4.5 hours from Wellington, and it has bus services and an airport.
Where to stay
Accommodation books out on ride weekend, so reserve early. Staying near the lakefront puts you within walking distance of the start and finish. Our things to do in Taupō guide covers the town.
What to bring
Bring layers for a cold start, plenty of food for a long day in the saddle and sun protection for the afternoon. Supporters should pack a chair and a jacket for the lakefront.
Make a trip of it
Turn it into a long weekend with the Huka Falls, hot pools and the Great Lake Trail, all in our things to do in Taupō guide. If you have a fine day to spare, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is about an hour south.
FAQ
When is the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge 2026?
How long is the Round the Lake ride?
What if I am a slower rider?
Are there shorter options?
Where do I register?
Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
