Crankworx New Zealand Levels Up for 2026: Christchurch Joins Rotorua as Dual World Tour Hosts

Summary Crankworx New Zealand is set for its biggest year yet, with Christchurch officially joining Rotorua as a full Crankworx World Tour stop in 2026. Fans will now have two chances to see the world’s best riders, with Christchurch Adventure Park hosting February 19–22, followed by Rotorua’s legendary five-day festival from March 11–15.

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Crankworx New Zealand 2026: Christchurch Joins Rotorua on the World Tour

27 November 2025 – Aotearoa New Zealand — Crankworx New Zealand is gearing up for an even bigger 2026 season, with Christchurch officially joining Rotorua as a premier stop on the prestigious Crankworx World Tour. As the world’s biggest mountain bike festival series returns to Rotorua for its 12th year, Christchurch now stands shoulder to shoulder with global mountain biking icons like Whistler and Mont-Sainte-Anne. This exciting development cements New Zealand’s reputation as one of the world’s top destinations for gravity mountain biking.

Christchurch: New Destination for Gravity Sports

Christchurch has proven its potential as a thrilling mountain biking hub during its involvement in the Crankworx Summer Series, and now the city is stepping up to host full World Tour competitions starting in 2026. The Christchurch Adventure Park will welcome athletes from around the world for major events, including the Christchurch Gold Slopestyle, Redemption Downhill, and Christchurch Pump Track Challenge.

ChristchurchNZ’s Head of Major Events, Karena Finnie, shared her excitement: “Adding Crankworx to our annual sporting calendar has enhanced the city’s event offerings and brought a vibrant energy to our community – a perfect reflection of the balance and play that defines Christchurch. Stepping onto the global stage with World Tour competitions puts Christchurch on the map for downhill mountain biking, and we’re thrilled to showcase our natural landscapes and world-class venues to international fans.”

Substantial infrastructure upgrades, including a Gold-level Slopestyle course, a World Cup-standard downhill track, and a new pump track, will create lasting benefits for the region. The event will also offer youth development opportunities through CWNext, helping to inspire and cultivate the next generation of riders.

Rotorua: The Heart of Crankworx

Crankworx Rotorua will return from March 11–15, 2026, anchoring the Southern Hemisphere leg of the World Tour. The five-day event will feature iconic races and events such as the Kārearea Downhill, Specialized Dual Slalom, Pump Track Challenge, the McGazza Slopestyle, and the new Skyline Double Down event.

Andrew Wilson, Chief Executive of RotoruaNZ, expressed the excitement: “Crankworx fans truly make Rotorua their own. You know they’re here when the bikes are lined up at the shuttle stops and helmets are spotted at local cafés. We’re delighted to host Crankworx again in 2026, and we can’t wait to share even more of what makes our city so special – from our world-class trails and stunning lakes to a community that’s deeply connected to adventure. Whether it’s their first or tenth visit, even returning Crankworx fans will find something new in Rotorua this year.”

Rotorua will also collaborate with Cycling New Zealand, MTBNZ, and the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club to host national-level races during Crankworx week. These will include the MTB National Downhill Championships (March 11–15), with Cross Country (XCO/XCC) and Enduro Nationals set for March 20–22.

Get Ready for an Epic 2026 Season

With both Christchurch and Rotorua set to deliver world-class events, 2026 will be an unforgettable year for mountain biking fans. Whether you’re planning to attend or watching the action unfold from home, this is one season you won’t want to miss. Get ready to experience the thrills, the challenges, and the excitement as some of the world’s best riders compete for Crankworx World Tour Series points and the coveted King and Queen of Crankworx crowns.

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