I’M SPECTATIN’
Make a weekend of it!
Get cheerin’!
Whether you're cheering on a future mountain biking star at Kids Craters or supporting friends and family during the Craters Classic, there's plenty happening across the weekend to keep everyone entertained.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Taupō's world-class mountain bike trails, the Craters Classic is more than just a race—it's a weekend celebrating riding, community, and the great outdoors.
With racing, entertainment, food, music and plenty of places to relax, it's the perfect excuse to spend a weekend in Taupō.
Something for everyone, both days.
Kids Craters
Kids Craters is all about fun, smiles and celebrating young riders.
Bring a picnic, relax on the lawn and cheer on the next generation of mountain bikers as they tackle the trails in a safe, supportive environment.
While you're there you can enjoy:
Sausage sizzle
Mr Whippy ice cream
Fresh coffee
Spot prizes and prizegiving
Plenty of smiles at the finish line
It's the perfect family afternoon during the school holidays.
Craters Classic
Saturday brings the main event, with hundreds of riders riding the trails.
From first-time participants to experienced racers, there's always plenty happening throughout the day.
The event village at Wairakei Resort offers:
Coffee and café food
Hot snacks
Licensed restaurant and bar
Entertainment
Expo and merchandise
Great viewing of riders starting and finishing
Whether you're cheering for one rider or soaking up the atmosphere, it's a fantastic day out.
We're excited to return to the beautiful Wairakei Resort for Craters Classic, making it easier than ever to enjoy the event.
Stay onsite and simply stroll to the event village, soak up the atmosphere, and be trackside as riders head off and return across the finish line.
Whether you're staying for one day or the whole weekend, you'll never be far from the action.
Wairakei Resort
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday 15th April 2027
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | Nexus Financial Advisory Kids Craters Registration & Late Entries Open | The Hub (Wairakei Drive) |
| 2:00 PM | Nexus Financial Advisory Kids Craters Race Starts Long Course waves begin at 2:00 PM Short Course waves begin at 2:30 PM |
The Hub (Wairakei Drive) |
| 3:30 PM | Craters Classic Registration & Late Entries Open | Wairakei Resort – Karapiti Room |
| 3:30 PM | Nexus Financial Advisory Kids Craters Wrap Up | The Hub (Wairakei Drive) |
| 5:30 PM | Craters Classic Registration Closes | Wairakei Resort – Karapiti Room |
Saturday 16th 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 eBike Start | Start Area – 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 |
Visiting Taupō, New Zealand
The heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s North Island, Taupō is a place of extraordinary natural beauty – a vast, sparkling lake, trout-filled rivers, ancient forests, steaming geothermal zones and towering snow-blanketed mountains. With welcoming resort towns, lakeside villages and world-class luxury lodges to stay in, adventure, discovery and wonder lie just outside every door.