1 – 29th February 2024
Ride and shine across the Queenstown Lakes, because the Aotearoa Bike Challenge is back this February! Riding a bike is a great way to enjoy time outdoors with friends and family, hit the trails, and protect our environment by swapping the car for handlebars for your work commutes.
Pedal for the planet and prizes throughout February by registering here:
1 – 29th February 2024
Ride and shine across the Queenstown Lakes, because the Aotearoa Bike Challenge is back this February! Riding a bike is a great way to enjoy time outdoors with friends and family, hit the trails, and protect our environment by swapping the car for handlebars for your work commutes.
Pedal for the planet and prizes throughout February by registering here:
A month of action packed events await you,
with something to get everyone on wheels.
What is the Aotearoa Bike Challenge?
The Lightfoot Initiative and Queenstown Lakes District Council bring the Aotearoa Bike Challenge to you every February. The ABC is about getting people on bikes, to work, to school, for fun – every ride counts. Simply register to ride on the Aotearoa Bike Challenge site or app, and you’re away. Track distances and carbon emissions saved to feel good and show your commitment to sustainable transport.
Who doesn’t love a challenge? Workplaces and individuals can track their progress on the Queenstown Lakes leaderboard and battle it out for the top spot and amazing prizes. With a full programme of events to keep you motivated, it is time to Ride and Shine with the Aotearoa Bike Challenge this February.
For the full detailed programme of 2024 events, scroll down…
2024 Event Calendar
& FACT SHEET
A month of action packed events await you,
with something to get everyone on wheels.
What is the Aotearoa Bike Challenge?
The Lightfoot Initiative and Queenstown Lakes District Council bring the Aotearoa Bike Challenge to you every February. The ABC is about getting people on bikes, to work, to school, for fun – every ride counts. Simply register to ride on the Aotearoa Bike Challenge site or app, and you’re away. Track distances and carbon emissions saved to feel good and show your commitment to sustainable transport.
Who doesn’t love a challenge? Workplaces and individuals can track their progress on the Queenstown Lakes leaderboard and battle it out for the top spot and amazing prizes. With a full programme of events to keep you motivated, it is time to Ride and Shine with the Aotearoa Bike Challenge this February.
For the full detailed programme of 2024 events, scroll down…
Calendar & Fact Sheet
Little Pedallers Bike Confidence Courses
Wanaka: Every Wednesday in February – Wānaka Recreation Centre tennis courts.
45 minute session times: 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
Queenstown: Fridays 9th, 16th, 23rd February – Queenstown Event Centre tennis courts.
45 minute session times: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm
Calling all little pedallers! Come and join Electric Meg and the team to help your little one gain confidence on the bike. Suitable for beginner bikers aged 7 and under, Meg will teach skills like safe braking and turning, biking around obstacles and cycling independently to help build confidence and get them ready for the trails. Each session lasts 45 minutes, with the kids on the bike the whole time. A limited number of bikes and helmets are available if your child needs a bike.
Free certificate and ice block to course finishers!
Drop ins encouraged or book your space by emailing [email protected]
Intro to Workride - Ride to Work benefit scheme for employees
Tuesday 13th and Friday 16th February – Online 11am – 11.30am
Workride is a free benefit scheme in which employees can benefit from a 32-63% cost offset on the sale price of a new bike, e-bike or scooter using tax exemptions.
Staff get to choose any bike, e-bike or scooter for their commute from approved stores across New Zealand.
This salary sacrifice scheme has proven very successful overseas in increasing employee retention and improving staff health and wellbeing.
Join one of the two interactive online sessions to talk to the founders of Workride, and learn more about how the scheme can work for you.
Free Weekly Bike Repair Clinics
Every Saturday 9am to 2pm
at Remarkables Market, Queenstown
Every Sunday 10am to 2pm
at the Arrowtown Market and the Wānaka Craft Market
Come and see the team at the market for safety checks and simple repairs. Tyres flat? Need a lube? Chain in a bad shape? Pop in with your bike and chat to our experienced bike mechanics about all things biking. We’re the stall with all the bikes.
Free Coffee and Kai Pit Stops
Every Wednesday in February 7am to 9am at the Frankton Marina and Glenda Drive (Queenstown) and Dino Park (Wānaka)
Barista coffee? Danish? Yum! Stoke the engine on Wednesday mornings and keep yourself fueled up for your cycle commute. Simply ride up to our team on a bike and grab yourself some morning treats.
In a hurry? We’ll have filter coffee and tea for those who don’t have time to linger over a… mmm… flat white, Americano, latte…. Look out for the big signs and shining, happy faces.
Learning & Courses – Queenstown & Wanaka
Various throughout February
Be brave, learn. Mountain bike coaching benefits everyone who wants to hit the trails and tracks that the Queenstown Lakes are famous for. During the month of February, qualified and experienced mountain bike instructors are offering heavily discounted lessons to help you take the next step in your riding. Join as an individual, or why not get your friends or workmates together to book private sessions?
Learning & Courses – Queenstown & Wanaka
Various throughout February
Be brave, learn. Mountain bike coaching benefits everyone who wants to hit the trails and tracks that the Queenstown Lakes are famous for. During the month of February, qualified and experienced mountain bike instructors are offering heavily discounted lessons to help you take the next step in your riding. Join as an individual, or why not get your friends or workmates together to book private sessions?
Rocky Mountain Women’s Ride Camp
Every Saturday 9am to 2pm
at Remarkables Market, Queenstown
10th and 11th February – 9am
Join the Rocky Mountain Women’s Ride Camp for one day of flow coaching and another day of tech coaching.
This is a 2-day booking for the Ride Camp. Camp kicks off both days at 9am on at Base 334 at Bike Glendhu and each day will end after riding at 5pm, with après back at Base. BYO lunch or purchase from Velo Cafe. Riders can register for one day only.
Cost from $299
On-demand lessons for Workplace Biking Fun Get your team on their bikes!
Book training sessions or private lessons for your team.
Access to special discounts available when your workplace signs up for the Aotearoa Bike Challenge.
Quote ABC2024 when inquiring about lessons and sessions.
Email [email protected]
Cornering Development Course
Suitable for Intermediate level riders who are comfortable on Grade 3 trails such as Hot Rod or McNearly.
Over four weeks, you’ll learn four layers of cornering skills that include: body dynamics, bike body separation, direction control and pressure and brake control. For the full course outline see the Treadmark page.
Cost $375 + CP lift pass
15% discount quote ABC 2024
Book online https://www.treadmark.co.nz or email [email protected]
Intro to lower Coronet Peak or 7 Mile
Dates: 1st, 2nd, 5th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 16th, and 17th February – three hour sessions available between 10am and 2pm.
Intro to 7 Mile
Dates: 19th and 26th February – three hour sessions available between 10am and 2pm.
These three hour courses do a deep dive into the fundamentals of bike setup, to moving on and understanding body dynamics and braking.
Once these skills are introduced in the first hour or two, the Treadmark coach will test you on different trails based on the abilities of the group, to create a full circle understanding of fundamental body dynamics on the bike.
Complimentary shuttles from Malaghans Road are provided, to ensure you get the most out of the three hours. Courses at 7 Mile require bikers to ride up to The Hub and Eagle’s Nest
Cost $125pp (minimum of five needed)
15% discount quote ABC2024
Book online https://www.treadmark.co.nz or email [email protected]
Mission WOW - Women’s Next Level MTB Skills
Every Thursday (6 weeks)
starting 8th February – 6pm to 8pm
Blackfox Ride’s women’s ‘next level’ mountain bike skills course- working on drops & jumps, roots & rocks, tech & tricks, pump & flow. We want to make sure everyone really gets something amazing out of this new course. We recommend being comfortable riding Grade 3+ (maybe even some Grade 4) trails for a couple hours at a time. You have probably been riding for a couple years and might just feel kind of stuck at the same level for a while.
We always split into groups based on skills, abilities and fitness, so you will be happily challenged and encouraged.
Suitable for Intermediate mountain bikers who have good biking fitness.
Requirements- Enjoy riding Jai Rolla at Bike Glendhu, working on getting your wheels off the ground and ideally have been on a skills course before.
Structure- Weeks 1- 4 skills focussed at Kirimoko, North Lake Pump Track, Lismore and Hawea Bike Park. Week 5 @bikeglendhu to put it all into action, Week 6 wine & bike maintenance with @JRA Bicycle Co
Cost $420 (without Bike Glendhu pass) or $410 without.
Email [email protected]
Cardrona Group Lessons (mixed)
Every Sunday in February 10am – 2.30pm
Embrace the social side of mountain biking. Whether you’re looking to make new trail buddies or just enjoy a day of collective fun and learning, our group lessons are the perfect fit. Our sessions are carefully structured to not only foster a sense of community but to also target personal riding goals.
Collaborative Progression. Our clinics place a strong emphasis on collective advancement, fostering a supportive and motivating atmosphere. We address each feature and section methodically, allowing you to develop newfound skills and precision.
Energizing Group Dynamics. Beyond the ride itself, our commitment lies in cultivating a thriving community. Here, motivation and support are integral to both personal and group achievements, synergizing to create a dynamic and encouraging environment.
Tailored Trails for All Skill Levels. Cardrona’s meticulously curated terrain offers a diverse range of challenges and excitement perfectly suited to the energy of our group. Whether you seek a thrilling challenge or an exhilarating ride, our trails cater to riders of all skill levels.
Cost $165 + Cardrona lift pass
15% discount quote ABC 2024
Book online https://www.treadmark.co.nz or email [email protected]
Bike Repair 101 - Afterschool Maintenance Course - Queenstown & Wānaka
Register now for this free afterschool bicycle repair course. In the course you’ll learn from an experienced bicycle mechanic:
- Safely wash and lubricate a bike
- How to check your bike
- Repair a chain
- Use gears effectively
- Check your drivetrain
- Work with your wheels
- Fix punctures, tubeless tyres and maintain tyres safely
The session runs throughout February from 3.30 to 5pm, at Te Hoeroa in Remarkables Park and Venue TBC in Wanaka. Bring your own bike, or if you don’t have a bike, use one of ours.
Register by emailing [email protected]
WORD Youth MTB Term Programme - Wānaka
The WORD team is so excited about riding with your kids this term! For those of you who are new to WORD, you are just going to love it… we run for 7 weeks meeting once a week from 4.00-6.00pm. We split into groups based on abilities and head out for a ride focusing on a different skill each week with an incredible Instructor!
- MTB riding skill (ie. cornering, braking, fitness etc)
- MTB community skill (ie. trail building, bike maintenance)
- Life skill (ie. self confidence, kindness, helpfulness, etc)
Cost: $235/term (7 sessions, 2 hours each session)
NEW Option for payments: pay half now and half before the term starts! Just select this ticket on the bookings options.
Book at https://www.word.org.nz/wanaka-bookings to see the different sessions available.
Intro to Skyline Bike Park for 55+ riders
13th, 23rd and 27th February 10am – 12pm (or on-demand, depending on availability)
Confidently approach Skyline Bike Park. This course is for experienced & confident mountain bike riders that want to conquer the Queenstown Bike Park. If you’re confident on grade 3 and 4 trails outside of bike parks, this is for you. This course is perfect for those that are new to bike park riding, or to brush up on the often-overlooked basics.
You’ll learn a confident, calculated approach. Downhill skills-focus throughout this lesson gives you the best base to progress your riding. We will introduce the two fundamental skills of mountain biking – body position and braking. We spend most of our time on how you can descend with a more mobile, centred and stronger position on the bike in a variety of bike park trail situations. We’ll cover how and when to apply your brakes for maximum control when descending. Being able to control your speed properly is a huge confidence booster and essential for safe progression.
You’ll need a modern, well maintained full suspension bike with at least 140mm of travel, hydraulic disc brakes and grippy off road tyres. Mandatory minimum protective gear = sturdy MTB shoes, knee pads and full face helmet. Additional protection such as elbow pads, chest/spine armour, goggles, gloves and neck braces are encouraged. A lift pass for the session needs to be purchased separately from Skyline.
Cost $100 pp (maximum of 4 people)
Email Rory at [email protected] to book
Other discounted group and private lessons are available if you quote ABC2024
Social Rides
Various throughout February
Hit the road, trails or park with these social rides in February.
Note: these rides may contain no conversation, but high levels of focus and sweat.
Social Rides
Various throughout February
Hit the road, trails or park with these social rides in February.
Note: these rides may contain no conversation, but high levels of focus and sweat.
Queenstown: Tuesday Roadie Bunch Ride
Every Tuesday, meets 545pm at the Old Shotover Bridge, Queenstown
No chat, just biking, sit in the bunch or fall back and get left behind.
Queenstown: Dirt Town Queens Rides
Every Thursday around 5.45pm, various locations.
Join the Facebook group here to see what’s happening each week.
Wānaka: Bike Wānaka Women's Social Rides
Every Wednesday evening, various locations
Join the Facebook group to see what’s happening each week
Wānaka: Challenge Wānaka Social Triathlon
Sunday 11th February – 8am registration at the Wanaka Recreation Centre
- Either a 15 minute pool swim or 30 minutes Aquarobics or 30 minute Pilates class at the Wanaka Swimming Pool
- Coffee/tea break
- 17km Bike from the Wanaka Pool, along the Mount Iron track to Albert Town and then joining the Outlet Track along the lakefront to the Watersports Facility. (If you are not able ride a bike, you can just drive to the Watersports Centre and wait for the other cyclists and join in on the walk)
- 5km walk to Waterfall Creek and back
- Lunch and Finish at the Watersports Facility
Cost $45 (18+ years only). Price includes Challenge Wanaka branded hat, Event number/name sticker, Pool entry, Coffee/tea after swim, Lunch, Water and fruit at the finish.
Competitive Rides
Various throughout February
Competitive Rides
Various throughout February
Bike Wanaka - Gravel Enduro
Sunday 4th February – 9am
The Sunday Gravel Bash With a Twist….
Choose from the 85km or 50km route options each containing several timed segments. So ride cruisey with your mates and session the segments. Timed by our trusty friends at STRAVA, we bring you Wanaka’s first Competitive Gravel Bash!
That’s right folks, ride what you brung, doesn’t have to be a gravel bike as some of these segments may be quicker on an MTB….Oooooh controversial? Yeah, well the spirit of gravel is MTBing anyways, so cram that in your aeropress and smoke it!
Designed to be safe and keep the Karens off our backs, we keep all the race segments to the quietest stretches of gravel and off any public river track type tracks.
The route does take you on some roads and across others, so caution is advised. More on this in the briefing obvs!
$15 entry donation upon registration.
No entries on the day, you must sign up via Webscorer beforehand.
Goldminer - MTB Coronet Peak
Saturday 17th February – 9am
BIG CLIMBS, BIG DESCENTS, EPIC VIEWS
Goldminer is the ultimate 40-kilometre endurance bike race that leads riders through an all-mountain course along Coronet Peak’s iconic bike trails. This event is designed for mountain bikers who seek the challenge of both downhill and uphill riding (approx. 2700m of climbing) in one of New Zealand’s most scenic locations.
Categories for entry include: UNDER 19, 20 – 39, 40 – 54, 55+, E-BIKE
Cost $79
We’re also bringing back the Miniminer short course! Spanning approximately 20km of trails with 1350m of climbing. It’s the perfect ride to test your skills and stamina without going all-in on the Goldminer.
Categories for entry include: UNDER 17, 18+, E-BIKE
Cost $49
Join us to race on some of your favourite Coronet Peak tracks including Dirt Serpent, Rude Rock, Zoot, Morning Glory and more!
Torpedo7 Mountain Bike National Championships
24th & 25th February – 9am – 5pm
Cycling New Zealand presents the 2024 Torpedo7 Mountain Bike National Championships hosted by Coronet Peak on 24 – 25 February in Queenstown with support from the Queenstown MTB Club.
This is New Zealand’s premier national mountain bike event, attracting New Zealand’s top Cross Country and Downhill riders.
Entries close midnight, Sunday 11th February. Various fees apply.