The Whaka 100 is Rotorua’s annual mountain bike marathon, held each October in Whakarewarewa Forest. One of New Zealand’s most demanding single-day MTB events, the flagship 100km course threads through the forest’s world-class trail network, with more than 3,000m of vertical gain. Multiple distance options make it accessible to riders across the skill spectrum — from the flagship 100km to a family-friendly 10km route. In 2026, the event runs October 23–25.
Event Information
| Location | Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua — start/finish at Waipa Valley |
| Dates | Annual event, held in October (2026: October 23–25) |
| Distances | 100km, 50km, 25km, 10km, and Miler (173km) |
| Vertical gain | 3,000m+ on the 100km course |
| Riders | 3,000+ participants across all distances |
| Entry | Registration via whaka100.co.nz and Race Roster |
| Terrain | Whakarewarewa Forest singletrack, purpose-built MTB trails |
| Bike type | Mountain bike; full suspension suited to the 100km course |
The Courses
All Whaka 100 distances run through Whakarewarewa Forest — the same trail network used by professional riders at Crankworx Rotorua and everyday riders year-round. The 100km flagship course is one of the toughest in New Zealand, covering more than 3,000m of climbing through the forest’s red and black-grade trails over a single day. The course is designed to challenge experienced endurance riders: technical descents, sustained climbs, and the cumulative fatigue of a full mountain marathon.
Shorter distances share the same forest setting. The 50km course covers roughly half the flagship distance with proportionally less vertical gain, while the 25km and 10km options use the more approachable sections of the network — suitable for newer MTB riders and those introducing younger riders to event riding. The Miler (173km) is the ultra option, a full-day and into-the-night challenge for endurance specialists.
The Setting: Whakarewarewa Forest
Whakarewarewa Forest’s trail network is one of the most highly regarded in the Southern Hemisphere. Built and maintained by the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club, it holds IMBA Gold status — one of only a handful of trail systems worldwide to reach this standard. The forest’s volcanic soil drains exceptionally well, meaning the trails ride well year-round and the Whaka 100 can be held in October with confidence regardless of weather.
The same trails that host the Whaka 100 are open to the public every day — riding them before the event is the best possible preparation. Waipa Valley, at the forest’s main entrance on State Highway 5, is the event hub, with parking, facilities and start/finish areas well set up for large-scale events.
Registration and Entry
Entries open well in advance of the October race, with early-entry pricing available from November for the following year’s event. Registration runs through the official Whaka 100 website and the Race Roster platform. Entry prices vary by distance and entry period — early entry carries a significant discount over standard entry. The event sells out across most categories, particularly the 100km and 50km; entering early is strongly advised.
Whaka 100 — Official Website — event information, course details, registration and race-day logistics.
Tourism New Zealand — Whaka 100 — event overview from the official NZ tourism platform.
Trailforks — Whaka 100 2026 Route — course mapping and trail breakdown for the 2026 event.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Whaka 100?
The event is held annually in October. In 2026, it runs October 23–25. Check the official website for the following year’s dates.
What distances are available?
The Whaka 100 offers five distances: 10km, 25km, 50km, 100km (the flagship), and the Miler (173km). The 100km and Miler are for experienced endurance mountain bikers; the 10km and 25km are suited to riders of all abilities.
Where does the event start?
The start, finish and event hub is at Waipa Valley, on State Highway 5 at the main entrance to Whakarewarewa Forest.
How do I enter?
Via the official Whaka 100 website (whaka100.co.nz) or Race Roster. Early entry is recommended — categories sell out. Pricing varies by distance and entry period.
Can I ride the Whaka 100 course outside the event?
Yes — Whakarewarewa Forest is open to the public year-round. Most of the event trails are part of the permanent trail network accessible from Waipa Valley and the Long Mile Road trailheads.
What bike do I need for the 100km?
Full suspension is strongly recommended for the 100km and 50km courses. The technical terrain and accumulated fatigue of the longer distances make suspension a significant advantage.
The Whaka 100 takes place in Whakarewarewa Forest — see the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop guide for year-round riding information, and the Crankworx Rotorua guide for the forest’s other major annual event. For all Rotorua cycling, visit the Cycling Tracks hub.
