It’s worth nothing that despite New Zealand being a small country of approximately four million people, it is a country that’s known for its athletic prowess. You can easily find New Zealanders engaging in sports activities at the beach, in parks, or anywhere that has space. New Zealanders also have a reputable track record of performing well on the international scene. As you might already know, the national sport of New Zealand is Rugby. Heard of the All Blacks who have won the Rugby World Cup three times? Other main sports here include cricket and netball. Featured below are a few sporting events you can attend in 2018. To ensure a convenient commute, fans should certainly choose to book New Zealand bus hire for sporting events.
Shotover Moonlight Marathon
The sporting event is held each February at Ben Lomond High Country Station. The mountain marathon is a well-known off road running event that allows sports enthusiasts to experience a diverse and challenging terrain. Slated to happen on February, 17, 2018, you can choose to participate in one of the five event distances: 5km, 10km, 21km, 30km, and 42km. Your run will begin beside the renowned Shotover River and will finish near the picturesque Moke Lake.
Volvo Ocean Race
Volvo Ocean Race is a gruelling round-the-world race that challenges even the toughest yachties. Held once at a three-year interval, this year’s Volvo Ocean Race will happen from February 24, 2018 to March 18, 2018. Blair Tuke and Peter Burling, who are the winning sailors of New Zealand’s America’s Cup, will be among the race crews. They are due to arrive via the Waitemata Harbour in February. All in all, seven teams are expected to arrive into Auckland at the end of leg six from Hong Kong.
Crankworx Rotorua
This is a festival of fast and furious fun. Hundreds are expected to head down to the bubbling Rotorua and descend on the mountain-biking mecca. In March, the world tour will see some of the globe’s seasoned mountain bikers navigating the famously flowing trails at Whakarewarewa Forest and Rotorua’s epic Skyline Gravity Park. This is a nine-day festival and will see over 10,000 spectators and about 800 mostly international riders. Apart from the biking action, there will be authentic Māori cultural performances and pumping musical events.
The Macpac Motatapu
At this sporting event, thousands will get the chance to experience the pristine trails of the Motatapu. The famed off-road sporting event is set in the stunning high country between Queenstown and Lake Wanaka. With five different events to choose from, you can race through some of the most stunning high country terrain New Zealand has to offer.
ISPS Handa NZ Open
Held in Queenstown, the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open is an iconic event on New Zealand’s unique sporting calendar. The event incorporates a unique Pro-Am format and will be hosted at two spectacular golf courses in March: The Hills and Millbrook Resort. A prestigious blend of amateur and pro golfers will converge at this event.
Motu Challenge and Motu 160
Held in the Bay Of Plenty, in and around Ōpōtiki, the Motu Challenge is a fun and gruelling four stage event. There will be a 52km road cycle, 17km run, 65km mountain bike, and a multisport stage. The latter comprises an 8km road cycle, 27km kayak, finally a 3km run at the end. Motu 160, on the other hand, comprises a 65km mountain bike ride and a 90km road cycle to the finish line. With more than NZ$30,000 worth of prizes to be won, the Motu Challenge is considered to be one of NZ’s premier multisport races.
Ring of Fire
If you are keen to participate in an exhilarating and challenging alpine adventure running event, look no further than the Ring of Fire. The ever-majestic Mount Ruapehu will challenge interested parties spiritually, mentally, and physically. While uncompromising and tough, the Ring of Fire is undoubtedly a bona fide sporting experience that New Zealand offers. You can expect to face a mix of stunning native bush, scoria and lava fields, scraggy tussock desert, and more. It is set to take place on April, 7 2018!
Ironman 70.3 Taupo
Located at the pristine fresh water Lake Taupo, IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo offers a stunning experience. The location is a well-liked tourist destination that boasts Australasia’s largest freshwater lake. If you are a fan of the Lord of The Rings trilogy, you will definitely recognize the mountains that were made internationally famous. The event has been well established in Lake Taupo for a decade.
Shipwreck Weekend
Shipwreck Weekend is a must for any scuba diver. Located at White Island, the location is known for its dramatic dive sites and is New Zealand’s only active marine volcano. Come on down for an experience of a lifetime, consisting of an array of exciting and exhilarating dives. You can tackle cathedral spire pinnacles that feature 150m drop offs! As you descend to explore the underwater volcanic vents, you can expect to experience fumaroles that emit volcanic gas and archways. Thanks to the super rich nutrients available in the area, marine life manages to thrive.
The Pioneer Mountain Bike Stage Race
The Pioneer Mountain Bike Stage Race will return for its third iteration with a 450km epic team race. It is slated to happen from 25-30 November 2018. If you have not heard of this bike race, it is a breathtaking mountain bike stage race that spans over six days. Riders participating at The Pioneer will be taken through and around the pristine Southern Alps of NZ. You will be pleased to know that the course has been revamped and now links together amazing farm tracks, single tracks, double tracks, and NZ Cycle Trails. You can be sure that this event is being held in a very special part of the world where golden high country, crystal-clear blue lakes, and soaring mountain peaks await. If you are looking for a unique mountain bike experience and race, this is the perfect event to get you inspired again!