Challenge Wanaka 2026

Challenge Wānaka, New Zealand’s largest triathlon festival, is set in Wānaka on the edge of Lake Wānaka, surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. Its primary event is a 100 km middle-distance triathlon, featuring a 2 km lake swim, an 80 km bike leg, and an 18 km run. The festival attracts over 2,500 athletes, including top professionals and age-group competitors from across the globe. The festival offers more than just the main triathlon. An AquaBike event includes the 2 km swim and 80 km bike. A Junior Challenge provides short swim-bike-run distances for children. Other events include a kayak-MTB-run Multi event and an MTB-run duathlon. Participants can also opt for a “Tri together” team entry. The bike course is accessible on Rouvy for virtual training. Typical race conditions include cool lake water around 16°C, air temperatures near 19°C, and moderate winds of approximately 15 kph.