I’M VOLUNTEERIN’
Make a weekend of it!
Get volunteerin’!
Did you know Craters Classic is organised by Bike Taupō?
This event is raising much-needed funds to maintain and improve our Craters Mountain Bike Park trail network. This event is organised by a dedicated, amazing group of volunteers who we couldn’t do this event without.
Want to get involved behind the scenes?
Sign up as a volunteer and help bring this epic event to life.
Get in on the action, volunteer with Craters Classic!
Our amazing volunteers are the heart of Craters Classic. From registration and parking to course marshalling, rider support, and the finish line, they're there every step of the way to help create a safe, welcoming, and memorable event.
Something for everyone, both days.
Friday 16th April 2027
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.
Saturday 17th April 2027
Craters Classic, 3 Dam Loops
Aratiatia Adventure and Pumice Pacer
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.
Wairakei Resort
Craters Classic entrants get 20% off accommodation.
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.
Craters Classic entrants get 20% off accommodation - so make a weekend of it.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday 16th April 2027
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | Nexus Kids Craters Registration & Late Entries Open | The Hub (Wairakei Drive) |
| 2:00 PM | Nexus 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 Kids Craters Wrap Up | The Hub (Wairakei Drive) |
| 5:30 PM | Craters Classic Registration Closes | Wairakei Resort – Karapiti Room |
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 |
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.