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Challenge Wānaka

Sat, 20 Feb 2027Lake Wānaka, New Zealand

Overview

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.

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.

5 reasons to race

Bucket list race that combines racing and holidaying in paradise Tough, honest course The world's most scenic triathlon Warm, welcoming Kiwi atmosphere Multi-day triathlon festival with something for all ages and abilities

Race categories

100 distance

Aqua bike

Junior Challenge

Route

Typical race-day conditions

Air 19 °C · Water 16 °C

Race distances

100 distance: 2 km swim · 80 km bike · 18 km run

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 80km 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.
Update history

  1. 2 Oct 2026

    Details added from challengefamily.com: description, routeInfo, imageUrl

  2. 2 Oct 2026

    Auto-published (trusted source above threshold)

  3. 2 Oct 2026

    Discovered on challengefamily.com (JSONLD, confidence 91%)

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