Set against the stunning alpine backdrop of New Zealand’s Southern Alps and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, it is also one New Zealand’s larger triathlon festivals, featuring events for all ages and abilities involving over 2,000 participants.
Athletes from all over the globe compete in the world’s most scenic middle distance course in the 1.9 km swim in crystal clear waters, the 90 km bike alongside an alpine lake and the 21.1 km run around Lake Wānaka’s stunning landscape.
The festival includes the Preschool, Junior and Intermediate Challenges for budding triathletes aged two to fifteen, plus there is also the Adaptive and Secondary Schools Challenge.
The week culminates with the flagship Challenge Wānaka Half race on Saturday 15 February 2025 which features both the middle distance race and Aquabike race for both individuals and teams of 2/3. Thousands of spectators line the route and finish chute cheering on these inspirational contenders as they compete.
