Ride from the edge of Lake Taupō’s supervolcano to Rotorua’s geothermal mountain bike playground, across five unforgettable days of world-famous volcanic singletrack.
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New Zealand’s Ultimate MTB Stage Race
The Volcanic Epic begins like no other cross-country mountain bike stage event in the world with a heli-bike uplift to apline private trail. From there, riders journey across the volcanic heart of the North Island, starting on the edge of Lake Taupō’s supervolcano and finishing in Rotorua, one of the world’s great mountain bike destinations. Across five days, expect world-famous volcanic singletrack stages of 23km to 53km, alpine ridgelines, forest flow, geothermal landscapes, premium hospitality and free food truck lunches included with every entry. |
CHOOSE YOUR VOLCANIC EPIC
Go all-in for the full five-day journey, ride it with a teammate, or take on the two-day weekend experience. However you ride it, you’ll be part of the same premium stage-race atmosphere.
5 Day Pairs
The classic stage-race experience. Ride together, work together and share every climb, descent and finish-line story. |
5 Day Solo
The full Volcanic Epic journey on your own terms. Five days, five stages and one unforgettable ride from Taupō to Rotorua. |
2 Day Solo
The weekend hit. Two days of world-famous singletrack, premium event support and Volcanic Epic atmosphere. |
From Heli Drop to Hero Dirt
From heli-accessed private trail to volcanic singletrack, geothermal valleys and Rotorua’s world-famous forest flow, every stage of Volcanic Epic has its own character.
STAGE 1 - Heli Uplift to Private Trail
Begin the week like no other MTB stage race in the world, with a heli-bike uplift to private alpine trail beneath the volcanic peaks. |
STAGE 2 - Taupō Volcanic Flow
Ride purpose-built singletrack through volcanic terrain, with fast sections, forest rhythm and big Central North Island energy. |
STAGE 3 - Rotorua Hero Dirt
Experience Rotorua’s legendary trail network, geothermal landscapes and world-famous mountain bike culture. |
STAGE 4 - Tokoroa Trail Character
A stage packed with community spirit, forest riding and classic singletrack personality. |
STAGE 5 - Geothermal Finish Line
Finish the journey back in Rotorua, where five days of riding, recovery and shared stories come together. |
RIDE HARD. REFUEL WELL. REPEAT
Volcanic Epic is built to feel good on and off the bike. After each stage, slow down, grab your included food truck lunch, swap stories with other riders and settle into the rhythm of a premium stage-race week.
Food Truck Lunches
Every entry includes lunch after each stage, so you can refuel properly without hunting for food after the ride |
Premium Rider Support
From course marking and timing to event village support, the week is designed so riders can focus on the riding. |
Social Atmosphere
Share the week with riders from across New Zealand and around the world, with plenty of time to connect after each stage. |
Destination Recovery
Hot pools, local food, lakeside views, forest towns and geothermal landscapes make the recovery part of the experience. |
HOW WE DEFINE EPIC
COME FOR THE TRAILS. STAY FOR THE STORIES.
Volcanic Epic brings together riders from New Zealand and around the world for five days of riding, recovery, good food and shared stories across the central volcanic plateau.
Volcanic Epic brings together riders from New Zealand and around the world for five days of riding, recovery, good food and shared stories across the central volcanic plateau.
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IS VOLCANIC EPIC FOR YOU?
Volcanic Epic is built for mountain bikers who want a proper stage-race adventure without needing to be elite. If you have solid fitness, good bike handling and a love of singletrack, this is your kind of week.
Rewarding, Not Intimidating
Stages are designed to challenge you, but not punish you. Expect real riding, proper climbs, fun descents and plenty of flow. |
Mostly Grade 3 and 4 Trails
The riding is based around enjoyable, achievable mountain bike terrain, with occasional rollable technical features. |
No Navigation Required
Courses are marked, supported and designed so you can focus on the ride, not finding your way. |
Choose Your Challenge
Ride the full five-day journey solo or in pairs, or take on the two-day solo option if you want a shorter taste of the event. |
