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STAGE 1
Taupo 25 March ⫸ Craters MTB Park ⨠ Distance: 45km ⩓ Elevation: 910m We’re kicking off 2026 with a bang – no warm-up, no prologue, just straight into the action. Stage 1 begins with a mass start alongside the thundering power of Huka Falls, before diving deep into the flowing trails of Craters MTB Park. Expect endless ribbons of singletrack weaving through pine forest and geothermal terrain, purpose-built for speed, rhythm and fun. If you lift your eyes for a second, you might just catch a glimpse of the vast blue expanse of Lake Taupō – sitting calmly atop one of the world’s largest super volcanoes. This is the perfect blend of adrenaline, beauty and challenge. Welcome to Day One. |
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This is the kind of day you dream about. A helicopter lift to the Patutu Tops at 1,673m – then straight into 23km of unforgettable singletrack through the heart of the Kaimanawa Ranges.
But don’t be fooled – this isn’t all downhill. While gravity is on your side, the terrain still demands fitness, flow and focus. Expect punchy climbs, fast transitions and moments where your legs and lungs will earn the epic views. The first 15km rolls through wide-open alpine tussock with panoramic views across the Central Plateau – including three volcanoes; Tongariro, Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom), and the mighty Ruapehu. Then the trail funnels into a tight, twisting descent through native mountain beech forest, delivering a final 8km of pure singletrack bliss. This is New Zealand’s only heli-accessed trail of its kind – private, raw, and absolutely unforgettable. |
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Stage 3
Kinloch - Taupo 27 March ⫸ Kinloch Lake Front 🏁 Craters MTB Park ⨠ Distance: 48km ⩓ Elevation: 950m Back on the shores of the great lake, Stage 3 starts in the lakeside village of Kinloch and throws you straight into one of the most scenic trail networks in the country ,
the Great Lake Trails. You’ll tackle the legendary W2K track and the Headland Loop, flowing high above Lake Taupō with sweeping views and buttery singletrack. Then it’s a fast, fun descent into Whakaipo Bay – a perfect midpoint to catch your breath and take in the view before the real work begins. A short road liaison links you back into Craters MTB Park where unfinished business awaits. This time, you’ll dive into the trails we didn’t ride on Stage 1 – a whole new section of flow, punchy climbs and playful descents that showcase just how deep this trail network really goes. |
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STAGE 4
Tokoroa 28 March ⫸ Cougar MTB Park ⨠ Distance: 30.1km ⩓ Elevation: 600m Back by popular demand – and better than ever.
We return to Tokoroa’s Cougar MTB Park, voted the #1 stage of 2023. But don’t expect a repeat. The trails have evolved, with new lines, fresh features, and even more opportunities to ride fast, flow hard, and have a blast. Today is shorter in distance, but it’s all about quality over quantity. Expect a punchy, high-fun-factor stage packed with berms, rollers, and grin-inducing trail design through towering pines and native bush. It’s a day to reset the legs, enjoy the vibe, and ride something special in a place that’s earned its fan favourite status for good reason. |
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Stage 5
Rotorua 29 March ⫸ Te Puia Geothermal Valley 🏁 Rotorua CBD ⨠ Distance: 52km ⩓ Elevation: 988m Kicking off at Te Puia – the cultural and geothermal heart of Rotorua – and finishing with a hero’s welcome in the iconic Government Gardens in the CBD.
This is the Queen Stage. 50km of everything that makes Rotorua world-famous for mountain biking. From steaming geothermal valleys to dense native forest, this route takes you deep into the Whakarewarewa trail network, with fast, flowing singletrack and the kind of punchy climbs that test your grit on the final day. But the ride isn’t over until you’ve crossed the wild, volcanic terrain of the Sulphur Flats – a surreal, otherworldly finish that perfectly captures the raw power of the region. From cultural landmarks to trail gold, this stage is a celebration of everything the Volcanic Epic stands for. Big energy. Big terrain. A big sense of achievement when you roll into the finish chute. |
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