Big smiles, first finishes, memories for life.
KIDS CRATERS
The Hub, Wairakei Drive, Taupō
Friday 16 April 2027
A fun friendly mountain bike event for kids of all abilities.
6-7km & 12km Routes
Courses for
all ages.
Five
Event options
30+
Years Running
Taupō, NZ
World-famous
Money back
into local trails
A GREAT DAY OUT FOR YOUNG RIDERS.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT COURSE FOR YOUR YOUNG ONE.
MINI KIDS CRATERS
Approx. 6–7 km
Short, fun loop - perfect for first-time riders or the little kids just starting out on their mountain biking adventures.
Registration opens at 11: 30am
and closes at 1:00pm.
Long Course Starts from 1:30pm
Scroll down to see the map.
FULL KIDS CRATERS
Approx. 12km
A step up in distance and challenge, for the kids who are a bit older and more experienced!
Registration opens at 11:30am
and closes at 12.30pm.
Starts from 1:00pm
Scroll down to see the map.
Scroll down to find answers to the important questions you might have about the event.
Mini Kids Craters (Short Course)
Full Kids Craters (Long Course)
For information on track details and elevation please go to Trailforks.
ENTRY FEES 2027
Kids Craters
$35 short
$40 long
Aratiatia
Adventure
$90
Pumice Pacer
$115
3 Dam Loops
$125
Craters Classic
$125
Entries open 15th September 2026.
MORE WAYS TO SAVE
We love gettin’ more people on bikes. Throughout the entry period we are offering a range of promotions for families, Bike Taupō members and friends. As well as a very special buy one get one free promotion from 15th September to 15th of October*.
Bike Taupō Members
25% OFF
your entry fee if you are a Bike Taupō Member!
Family Price
15% OFF
2 adults and up to 2 children
(16 and under) in the same transaction.
Launch Special
Buy one get
one free
15th Sept - 15th Oct or until allocations are exhausted. Your free entry must be registered and redeemed by 15 October 2026
Kids Discount
$20
special promotional entry when available.
*Terms, eligibility and promotional periods apply. Check out all the T&C’s here:
THE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS, ANSWERED.
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Mini Kids Craters (6-7kms)
$35
Kids Craters (12kms)
$40
Parent/caregivers ride FREE if riding alongside for support.
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WHERE IS REGISTRATION?
Kids Craters registration will be held at The Hub on Wairakei Drive. Registration tent will be up in The Hub carpark.
WHAT TIME IS REGISTRATION?
Registration opens Friday 17 April at 11:30am.
REGISTRATION CUT OFF TIMES
Registration for the short course closes closes Friday 17 April at 1:00pm.
Registration for the long course closes closes Friday 17 April at 12:30pm.
DO I NEED TO REGISTER IF I AM RIDING WITH MY CHILD?
Parents do not need to register when riding with their child.
Registration is also where you will receive your goodie bag and race plate as well as have the opportunity to purchase some merch!
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For this event, we do not have a minimum age, but the maximum age is 15 years old.
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The start and finish is located at The Hub carpark, off Wairakei Drive. The start will be in waves; this event is NOT timed.
You will need to be at the start line in plenty of time. We ask that you are at the start line 15 minutes before your start time to hear your safety briefing.
First waves for the long course start at 1:00pm.
First waves for the short course start at 1:30pm.
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At Kids Craters, all children will receive a finisher’s medal on completion of the race.
Hang around after the last finishers cross the line, and we will do the prizegiving on the lawn. This is where we announce our big giveaways from our sponsors and spot prizes.
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There will be plenty of parking available at Kids Craters with access from Wairakei Drive, Karetoto Drive and Huka Falls Road. Please see the map below for a visual of this.
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At Kids Craters we will have a sausage sizzle going and Mr Whippy will be there with coffee and ice cream. Welcome to bring a picnic and make a day of it!
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Parents and caregivers are welcome on the course either with a bike or on foot. Any child unsure if they will make the distance, must be accompanied by a support person. You do not need to be registered to support ride or walk the track with your child. If your intention is to support, you acknowledge that you are physically fit to participate in the event, and can confidently ride or walk the grade of tracks in your chosen course.
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If your child is looking for something more challenging, you might like to try The Aratiatia Adventure or the Craters Classic mid course.
Minimum age for the Aratiatia Adventure is 8 years old, and the minimum age for the Pumice Pacer and Classic is 16 years old but parents can email event organisers to request an entry code.
Kids discount for Aratiatia Adventure: All children 15 and under will receive a $20 discount in any of the Craters Classic events. This will be applied automatically when registering online.
HOW TO GET THERE
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday 16th April 2027
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11:30AM | Nexus Kids Craters Registration & Late Entries Open | The Hub (Wairakei Drive) |
| 1:00PM | Nexus Kids Craters Race Starts Long Course waves begin at 1:00 PM Short Course waves begin at 1:30 PM |
The Hub (Wairakei Drive) |
| TBC | Craters Classic Registration & Late Entries Open | Wairakei Resort – Karapiti Room |
| 2:30PM | Nexus Kids Craters Wrap Up | The Hub (Wairakei Drive) |
| TBC | Craters Classic Registration Closes | Wairakei Resort – Karapiti Room |
SO, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please follow the button below to read the terms and conditions of entry, specials and discounts, what to expect as you book your spot for the event, the XCover Protection Policy and other useful information.