Volcanic Epic
RIDE. RELAX. REPEAT.
The Volcanic Epic is a unique five day mountain bike stage race held across New Zealand’s spectacular North Island geothermal region. If you’re looking for a truly special mountain bike event, the Volcanic Epic is your ticket to the experience of a lifetime.
Three outstanding trail locations, over two or five days. Experience unique geothermal and forest trails, some of which are only rideable in the Volcanic Epic. Challenging but accessible and fun 35-60km grade 2-4 trails.
After each morning stage event, enjoy finish line vibes of burgers, beats and beers. Explore the local sights, scenes and flavours in the afternoon while you rest your legs.
The Volcanic Epic has 3 exciting event options to choose from. Commit to 5 day event in a team or go solo and tackle the entire event, or take on the final 2 stages by yourself. Scroll now to decide on the 2025 event for you!
STAGE 1
The prologue sets the scene for the next four days of racing. Meet your fellow riders, get into the swing of riding with the Volcanic Epic and set your seeding for the following day. Once you have checked in you can head straight out on to the course, there is no set start times.
STAGE 2
Stage 2 is a loop format. Based in the same location of the prologue, today riders will take on flowing single track and punchy hills within Whakarewarewa forest, a world-class trail destination.
STAGE 3
We are in a new riding area for Stage 3. This a point to point format starting at Lake Rotoiti and returning to our Stages 1 & 2 venue. This stage will include the epic backcountry Western Okatina Walkway. Riders who are not on the transport plan will need to sort their own transport to the start line or purchase a single day shuttle pass
STAGE 4
Stage 4 is a loop format, and will start/finish at the Hub at Craters MTB Park. The amazing volcanic pumice-based trails of Craters MTB park a completely different riding experience of the first 3 days. Craters MTB park is private access and is managed by Bike Taupo and you must have a membership to ride here outside of the event,
STAGE 5
Stage 4 is a point to point format starting at Te Puia and finishing at Government Gardens CBD. Stage 4 brings us back to the epic landscapes of Rotorua. From geothermal to native forest, the ride will go through the woop-inducing singletrack of the Whakarewarewa forest before bringing riders home via the volcanic Sulphur Flats. No shuttle is need to this start line
Get all the details here