WHERE IS REGISTRATION?

Craters Classic registration will be held at:

Event HQ — Wairakei Resort Taupō
Wairakei Drive, Taupō

REGISTRATION TIMES

Friday 17 April 2026
Registration opens: 3:30pm
Registration closes: 5:30pm

Saturday 18 April 2026
Race day registration reopens: 7:30am–10:00am

Please allow plenty of time to register if you are entering on race day.

Late entries will be available on Saturday morning until:

• BAYLEYS Classic eBike Course: 8:00am

• SPARK 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.

Craters Classic Start

Start and finish location:
Wairakei Resort Taupō
Wairakei Drive
(10 minutes north of Taupō)

The Craters Classic 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 8:30am

Craters Classic 9:00am

Pumice Pacer 10:00am

Aratiatia Adventure 10:30am

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.

We welcome all riders to the Craters Classic, including those riding e-bikes. E-bikes are welcome across all Craters Classic course distances.

Please select that you are riding an e-bike during registration.

While e-bikes provide additional assistance on climbs, the Craters Classic is genuine cross-country mountain biking with narrow trails, technical sections, and fast-flowing terrain.

Your start position should reflect your overall riding ability, including your confidence and control on:

• Technical climbs

• Descents

• Corners

• Singletrack sections

E-BIKE RIDING ETIQUETTE

To help keep the trails flowing smoothly:

• Communicate clearly when passing other riders.

• Use calls such as “On your left” or “Rider coming through.”

• Avoid overtaking on climbs if this will create congestion on technical sections or descents.

• Give other riders space to pass where possible.

BATTERY MANAGEMENT

Your battery level is your responsibility.

Please plan your ride accordingly, as running out of power during the event may impact other riders, particularly on climbs.

E-bike riders are welcome to enjoy the same trails, atmosphere, and finish line experience while supporting the ongoing work that maintains and improves Taupō’s trail network.

Please note:
You are welcome to ride an e-bike in all categories; however, you will only be eligible for a placing if you enter the dedicated Craters Classic eBike category.

Prizegiving will begin at approximately 2:00pm on Saturday 18 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!

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.

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.

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!