Huka Steamer

It’s our most popular MTB event and with good reason, the 60km Huka Steamer is challenging, epic and offers up all the scenery we’ve come accustomed to during Cycle Challenge events.

The Huka Steamer gives you the chance to experience some of the region’s iconic landmarks including; AJ Hackett Bungy, Huka Falls, Aratiatia Dam, and alongside the steamy silica thermal stream at Wairakei.

This event makes use of the fast, free-flowing, predominantly pumice-based tracks of the forest and includes certain purpose-built tracks of the Craters Mountain Bike Park, including the Steam Fields track - get set to have some fun.

Because Craters MTB park is part of a working forest, the tracks change every year. Typically the Steamer event makes use of the Tank Stand, Kinder Grinder, Mr and Mrs and Mistress tracks.

The final leg of the Huka Steamer will provide you with outstanding views of Lake Taupō and the mountains beyond before you hit the home stretch via ‘Acid Drop’, across the mighty Waikato River and the iconic MTB bridge, erected especially for the event.

The final leg heads past the Taupō Marina before crossing the finish line back in the heart of Taupō town centre where you can celebrate and immerse yourself in the hype of the event village.

The course is approximately 80% Grade 3 and 20% Grade 4 tracks.

Course for 2024

Riverside – Rotary Ride – Huka Falls to Aratiatia –  Aratiatia Loop – Wairakei Resort Track – Wairakei Tourist Track – Honey Trail – Inwards Goods – Express Delivery – Hammer It – Spyce Girls – Outback – Sugar Daddy – Steamfields – Outback and Beyond – Zee Zee Top  - Dier Straights – Waipouwerawera – BBC – Bumble Bee – Zip – Expressway – Acid Drop – Riverside Park

Distance

Approx 60km

Vertical Climb

733m

Entry Fee From

$144*

*Pricing details Click Here

  • Start Time:
    9:00am

    Start Line:
    Tongariro St

    Finish Line:
    Tongariro St

    Rider Check In:
    Friday from 12pm till 8pm and Saturday from 6am till 9am
    Great Lake Centre, Taupo

  • Please select a start time based on the length of time you expect to ride the Huka Steamer. Timing does not start until your cross the timing mat.

    Start Groups

    Group 1 - Ride time under 3:20

    Group 2 - Ride time 3:20 - 4:10

    Group 3 - Ride time 4:10 +

  • Water/hydration stops are available at:

    The Hub at 24km

    Connection (self-serving) at 27km

    Waipouwerawera at 43km

    R-Line Electrolyte Drink will be available on the course.

    At The Hub you’ll also be able to slip in and get some food and a Short Black if you need one to keep you going. We will have marshals on the tracks to help pick up the broken bits but in true MTB style you have to look after yourself.

  • Road access is available to:

    Spa Park
    Aratiatia
    Kefi Cafe
    Craters MTB park

  • Management reserves the right to remove riders from the MTB course if it’s apparent they will not complete the event by 7pm or it is deemed the safety of themselves or others could be compromised.

  • This year’s age groups are:

    19 and under

    20 - 29

    30 - 39

    40 - 49

    50 - 59

    60 - 69

    70+

  • To ride the event alone the child must be 15 or over.

    If your child is between 12 -15 but you will be accompanying them for the full duration of their ride please email info@cyclechallenge.com for entry information.

  • Electric bikes are permitted as part of the event category and will be timed separately from the non assisted bikes. We will not be supplying charging stations around the course. Please ensure you register in the ebike event category when you enter online.