Challenge

Wānaka

WHEN

WHERE

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Days
Hours
Min
Sec
Internationally renowned as the world’s most scenic middle distance triathlon, set in New Zealand’s spectacular Southern Alps and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area.

5 reasons to race – Challenge Wānaka

19°C

Avg. air temperature

16°C

Avg. water temperature

15 KPH

wind speed

Lake

SWIM COURSE

1,047M

Bike course elevation

82M

Run course elevation

Middle distance Tri together option available

1.9 km swim
1.9 km swim
90 km bike
90 km bike
21.1 km run
21.1 km run

Aqua bike

1.9 km swim
1.9 km swim
90 km bike
90 km bike

Junior Challenge

200-150 m swim
200-150 m swim
1-3 km bike
1-3 km bike
250 m-2 km run
250 m-2 km run

Rouvy

Rouvy

Ride the Challenge Wānaka course on Rouvy. ROUVY is the go-to indoor cycling app for triathletes, offering a realistic indoor cycling experience on video courses. Every ROUVY session allows triathletes to practice on gradient-precise courses to build fitness, confidence and muscle memory.

ABOUT THE RACE

RACE INFORMATION

Challenge Wānaka is New Zealand’s largest triathlon festival, featuring events for over 2,500 participants from top professional to age group athletes from all over the world on a course that is like no other. Set in the heart of the town on the shores of Lake Wānaka, the event boasts a stunning backdrop of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. The swim is in the tranquil waters of Lake Wānaka and the bike course is a an honest three-lap out and back along the water’s edge. The run has spectacular views of Lake Wānaka as it winds along the lake front. Thousands of spectators come out to cheer on the competitors and experience the jam packed expo.

accommodation

Challenge Wānaka isn’t just a race – it’s an experience set in one of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth. Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Wānaka is a natural playground surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wānaka, alpine vistas, and wide open spaces make it a destination worth the journey – for athletes and supporters alike.

Race day tips

Looking for background information and all answers to your questions?
The event has complied a list of all Frequently Asked Questions to help you prepare in the best way possible.

Side events

The Puzzling World Junior Challenge is a highlight of the Challenge Wānaka Festival of Triathlon, welcoming hundreds of enthusiastic young athletes from Years 1 to 6. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve raced before, this event offers a fun, safe, and supportive environment for kids to take on the challenge and experience the thrill of triathlon.

Sustainability

We’re proud to be recognised as Challenge Family’s 2024 Most Eco-Friendly Race, a reflection of our ongoing efforts to protect the incredible lakes, mountains, and ecosystems that make Wānaka so special.

About Lake Wānaka

Challenge Wānaka isn’t just a race – it’s an experience set in one of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth. Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Wānaka is a natural playground surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wānaka, alpine vistas, and wide open spaces make it a destination worth the journey.

Whats in your entry

Medal

Unique 2026 medal for all our particpants, including for all our side events.

t-shirt

Also unique 2026 finishers t-shirt for all our finishers on all different events.

swim cap

High quality neoprene, something for all the family.

Best practice

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Middle distance

1.9 km swim
1.9 km swim
90 km bike
90 km bike
21.1 km run
21.1 km run

Aqua bike

1.9 km swim
1.9 km swim
90 km bike
90 km bike

Junior Challenge

200-150 m swim
200-150 m swim
1-3 km bike
1-3 km bike
250 m-2 km run
250 m-2 km run

Rouvy

No sports available.

Time schedule

Challenge Wānaka isn’t just a race – it’s an experience set in one of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth. Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Wānaka is a natural playground surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wānaka, alpine vistas, and wide open spaces make it a destination worth the journey – for athletes and supporters alike.

Join the community

Challenge Wānaka isn’t just a race – it’s an experience set in one of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth. Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Wānaka is a natural playground surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wānaka, alpine vistas, and wide open spaces make it a destination worth the journey – for athletes and supporters alike.

Latest news

Challenge Wānaka isn’t just a race – it’s an experience set in one of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth. Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Wānaka is a natural playground surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wānaka, alpine vistas, and wide open spaces make it a destination worth the journey – for athletes and supporters alike.

Race courses

swim course

Challenge Wānaka offers one of the most stunning swim courses in the world, set with the breathtaking backdrop of the Southern Alps in Roys Bay on the lakefront of Wānaka. The swim presented by RubyFresh and Orca follows a rectangular route, marked by buoys, offering a scenic yet challenging start to your race day! Direction and sighting points to be confirmed.

bike course

The Racers Edge Bike Course is a spectacular 90km journey showcasing some of the most iconic scenery in the Southern Alps. This fast, rolling two-lap route runs from the heart of Wānaka township out towards the base of the Treble Cone Ski Field, past Glendhu Bay then returns along the same breathtaking road — twice.

run course

The Kinisi Run Course showcases the stunning beauty of Lake Wānaka’s shoreline, taking athletes on an out-and-back lap that’s both scenic and fast. Starting in the heart of Wānaka township, runners head out along Ardmore Street, before joining the lakeside trail, hugging the water’s edge with panoramic views across the lake to the mountain peaks beyond.

Race director

Jane Sharman

“I am passionate about Challenge and what it means for our community. I love the inclusivity of Challenge – ranging from the pro athletes to the primary children and even pre-schoolers. The recent addition of the Adaptive event and the Cross Tri mean that nearly anyone can take part. I’m looking forward to exploring new ways to further develop Challenge Wanaka in our community.”