Three loops of an already incredible challenge.
3 DAM LOOPS
Wairakei Resort, Wairakei Drive, Taupō
Saturday 17 April 2027
Take on the Aratiatia Adventure three times. Once for the view, two for the ride, three for the challlenge.
1,500+
Riders
5
Event options
30+
Years Running
Taupō, NZ
World-famous
NEW COURSE FOR 2027!
Approx. 50kms.
3 Dam Loops is the Aratiatia Adventure race, three times over. A race which rewards determination, resilience and the satisfaction of completing something special.
Starting and finishing at Wairakei Resort, you'll tackle three laps through Taupō's spectacular geothermal heartland. Ride alongside the Waikato River, pass the iconic Aratiatia Dam, then return through the buzzing event village before heading out to do it all again.
Every lap showcases incredible scenery.
Every return brings another wave of encouragement.
Every departure asks a little more of you.
Three laps may sound simple, but as the kilometres tick by, this ride becomes as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Pace yourself, embrace the journey and enjoy the unique atmosphere that comes with passing through the event village after each loop.
Be there for the inaugural event and earn the bragging rights that come with saying,
"I rode the first 3 Dam Loops."
3 DAM LOOPS
Go again. And again. And again.
TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE
Scroll down to find answers to the important questions you might have about the event.
ENTRY FEES 2027
Kids Craters
$35 short
$40 long
Aratiatia Adventure
$90
Pumice Pacer
$115
3 Dam Loops
$125
Craters Classic
$125
Entries open 15 September 2026.
MORE WAYS TO SAVE
We love gettin more people on bikes. Throughout the entry period we offer a range of promotions for families, Bike Taupō members and friends. As well as a very special 2 for 1 promotion from 15th September to 15th of October*.
Bike Taupō Members
25% OFF
your entry fee if you are a Bike Taupō Member!
Family Discount
15% OFF
2 adults and up to 2 children
(16 and under) in the same transaction.
15th Sept - 15th October or until allocations are exhausted (get in quick!)
2 FOR 1
Launch Special
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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WHERE IS REGISTRATION?
Pumice Pacer registration will be held at:
Event HQ — Wairakei Resort Taupō
Wairakei Drive, Taupō
REGISTRATION TIMESFriday 16 April 2027
Registration opens: 3:30pm
Registration closes: 5:30pmSaturday 17 April 2027
Race day registration reopens: 7:30am–10:00amPlease allow plenty of time to register if you are entering on race day.
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Late entries will be available on Saturday morning until:
Craters Classic Course: 8:00am
Craters Classic eBike Course: 8:00am
Pumice Pacer: 9:00am
Aratiatia Adventure Course: 9:30am
If you change to a longer course, you will need to pay the difference between your original entry fee and the new course fee.
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Pumice Pacer Start
Start and finish location:
Wairakei Resort Taupō
Wairakei Drive
(10 minutes north of Taupō)The Pumice Pacer uses a wave start system.
Your race time begins when you cross the start gantry, so make sure you are positioned in the start area with enough time before your course start.
Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your start time for your safety briefing and to find your correct start position.
Start times:
Craters Classic eBike 9.00am
Craters Classic 9:00am
These two races will go in waves.
Pumice Pacer 10:00am
Aratiatia Adventure 10:30am
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The Craters Classic and adjoining events use a self-seeded start format.
This means every rider is responsible for positioning themselves based on their expected pace, riding ability, and technical confidence.
The goal is to create a smoother, safer start and ensure riders begin alongside others with similar abilities.
Please choose your start position honestly:
FRONT OF THE START LINE?
For experienced riders who are confident riding technical singletrack at speed and are aiming for competitive times.
MIDDLE OF THE START LINE?
For fit recreational riders who are comfortable on the trails and looking for a great day of riding.
BACK OF THE START LINE?
For riders who prefer a more relaxed pace, are newer to mountain bike events, or want to enjoy the scenery and social side of the ride.
Volunteers will be available at the start line to help guide riders into the appropriate areas.
Remember: your start position is based on your riding ability and pace, not your bike type.
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Prizegiving will begin at approximately 2:00pm on Saturday 17 April.
Weather permitting, prizegiving will be held on the South Lawn at Wairakei Resort. If required, it will be moved indoors.
Stick around after your ride to celebrate the day with fellow riders, share stories, and enjoy food and refreshments.
We will celebrate our placegetters with medals, and all 1st place winners will receive Tineli Trail Jerseys.
The King and Queen of the Downhill winners will also receive Trail Jerseys.
There will also be plenty of spot prizes up for grabs — you don’t need to make the podium to take something home!
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Main parking for Craters Classic will be located:
Behind the BP Station, directly opposite Wairakei Resort
Please use the tunnel access to enter the event area and avoid crossing Wairakei Drive.
The tunnel will be clearly signposted and marshalled on event day.
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There will be a range of food and beverage options available throughout the day at Craters Classic.
Our hospitality partner, Wairakei Resort, will be serving up breakfast and lunch options at Event HQ, with something available for riders, supporters, and families.
Breakfast: Available from 7:30am–10:30am
Enjoy a range of breakfast options including hot breakfast items, fresh options, and coffee.Lunch: Available from 10:30am–2:30pm
Choose from a selection of hot meals, burgers, vegetarian options, snacks, and refreshments.Coffee: Available all day
Bar: Open from 11:30am until the end of the event
Come along, refuel after your ride, and enjoy the atmosphere with fellow riders and supporters.
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Your safety and enjoyment are important to us, and we have an incredible team of volunteers helping make Craters Classic happen.
Throughout the course, you’ll find friendly marshals positioned at key locations to help guide riders, provide support, and keep an eye on the trail. Please take a moment to thank them as you pass — our event wouldn’t be possible without their time and dedication.
FIRST AID SUPPORT
First aid support will be available throughout the event, with a dedicated first aid point located at The Connection.
If you require assistance during your ride, please alert the nearest marshal or event volunteer, and they will help coordinate support.
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Craters Classic is powered by an amazing group of volunteers who give their time to support riders, maintain a safe event environment, and help create the welcoming atmosphere the event is known for.
From registration through to the finish line, these volunteers are what make the Craters Classic experience possible.
Please remember to give them a wave, a smile, and a big thank you as you ride past!
EVENT SCHEDULE
Saturday 17th April 2027
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | Registration Opens | Wairakei Resort – Karapiti Room |
| 7:30 AM | Food & Beverages Open | Wairakei Resort – South Lawn |
| 9:00 AM | The Craters Classic Start | Start Area – Wairakei Resort South Lawn |
| 10:00 AM | The Pumice Pacer Start | Start Area – Wairakei Resort South Lawn |
| 10:00 AM | Registration Closes | Wairakei Resort – Karapiti Room |
| 10:30 AM | The Aratiatia Adventure Start | Start Area – Wairakei Resort South Lawn |
| 2:00 PM | Prizegiving | South Lawn or Wairakei Resort – Karapiti Room if wet |
| 3:00 PM | Event Finishes | Wairakei Resort |
SO, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please follow the button below to read the terms and conditions of entry, booking your spot for the event, the XCover Protection Policy and other useful information.