NZ Upcoming

2026 National Secondary Schools Mountain Bike Championships

The 2026 National Secondary Schools Mountain Bike Championships is a premier youth sporting event taking place from October 4 to 9 in the Western Bay of Plenty and Rotorua. Hosted by Mountainbike Tauranga, the competition is expected to attract over 800 student riders representing approximately 190 schools from across New Zealand. Participants will compete in five distinct mountain biking disciplines over six days of racing at Summerhill Mountain Bike Park and Whakarewarewa Forest.

Date
Oct 4-9, 2026
Location
Western Bay of Plenty District
Status
Upcoming
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2026 National Secondary Schools Mountain Bike Championships

Event summary

Highlights

  • Over 800 riders from approximately 190 schools nationwide
  • Competitions across five mountain biking disciplines
  • Community race day on October 4 open to all ages and abilities
  • Racing held at the iconic Whakarewarewa Forest and Summerhill Mountain Bike Park
This national championship represents the pinnacle of school-level mountain biking in New Zealand. The event is delivered by DirtCraft in partnership with Mountainbike Tauranga, utilizing the extensive and renowned trail networks of Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest and the Western Bay of Plenty's Summerhill Mountain Bike Park. The 2026 edition is anticipated to be the largest iteration of the championships ever held, following the successful regional North Island championships hosted in the area during 2025.

The event program includes a community race day on Sunday, October 4, which allows riders of various ages and skill levels to experience the official courses. Throughout the week of competition, spectators can access a festival-style atmosphere at the race venues, featuring food vendors, sponsor activations, and dedicated viewing points to watch the student athletes perform. The championships are supported by the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund and local district councils.

Practical details

Location described by the source
Summerhill Mountain Bike Park and Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest
www.scoop.co.nz
Area for browsing nearby events
Western Bay of Plenty District

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.

Sources and further information

Check these references for event announcements and updates before attending.

Location map

Approximate area only; exact venue coordinates are not confirmed.

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