AROUND BRUNNER CYCLE

Location: NZ - South
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026

Around Brunner stands as the West Coast's most iconic cycling challenge, combining serious racing with genuine Kiwi hospitality. Now in its 18th year, the 2025 edition introduces an exciting new gravel course alongside the traditional road race, offering three distinct ways to experience the raw beauty of New Zealand's rainforest-clad mountains and pristine lakes.

Date: Saturday, 2 May, 2026

Location: Start/Finish at Hotel Lake Brunner, Moana, West Coast, New Zealand

Event Type: Multi-format road and gravel cycling event

Distance Options:

  • Around Brunner Road Race: 140km (rolling hills through rainforest)
  • Around Brunner Enduro: 280km (two laps of road course)
  • Around Brunner Gravel: 108km (1,434m elevation gain, 65% gravel)

Road Course

A spectacularly scenic 140km circuit through West Coast rainforest, featuring rolling terrain from Moana to Jacksons and Kumara. The course showcases the region's finest cycling roads with well-paced climbs and sweeping descents. The Enduro option offers elite riders the ultimate challenge with two full laps.

Gravel Adventure

The new 108km gravel course delivers a true backcountry experience through Nga Tahu Forestry Roads. The first 38km provides technical challenges on rough gravel before opening up to fast forest roads. A perfect mix of 65% gravel and 35% tarmac tests both skill and endurance.

Road Race Options:

  • Individual 140km
  • Team relay (two-person)
  • Enduro 280km
  • E-bike (non-competitive)

Gravel Race:

  • Individual 108km
  • E-bike (non-competitive, spare battery required)
  • Full course marking
  • Medical support
  • Feed stations
  • Team changeover facilities at Kumara Domain
  • Post-race festivities at Hotel Lake Brunner
  • Prize giving ceremony at 3:30pm
  • Event organiser: CJM’s events
  • Email: john@cjmsevents.co.nz
  • Website: raceroster.com/events/2025/89938/around-brunner

Flying from Australia or North Island

Via Christchurch

  • Direct flights from all major Australian cities and North Island centers to Christchurch International Airport
  • Airlines: Air New Zealand, Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar
  • Flight time from:
  • Sydney: 3 hours
  • Melbourne: 3.5 hours
  • Brisbane: 3.5 hours
  • Auckland: 1.5 hours
  • Wellington: 50 minutes

Christchurch to Moana Options:

  • Drive: 3.5 hours via Arthur's Pass (238km)
  • Spectacular alpine route through Arthur's Pass National Park
  • Plan extra time for photo stops and weather conditions
  • Bike-friendly rental vehicles available from Christchurch Airport

Important Travel Notes

  • Book flights early - May is a popular time for West Coast events
  • Allow extra travel time for weather conditions
  • Bike transport must be pre-booked with airlines
  • Consider arriving a day early to acclimate and check out the course

Bike Transport Tips

  • Bike boxes required for air travel
  • Local bike shops can assist with assembly/packing
  • Limited bike rental available - book well in advance
  • Dedicated bike transport service available from Christchurch (must be pre-booked)

Accommodation

Make a weekend of it by exploring the West Coast's unique combination of pristine nature, rich history, and genuine Kiwi hospitality.

Cycling & Active Recovery

Lake Brunner Trails

  • Easy lakeside recovery rides
  • Family-friendly cycle paths
  • Photography opportunities along the water's edge
  • Perfect for pre-race leg spinning

West Coast Wilderness Trail

  • Grade 2-3 scenic trail network
  • Ideal for post-event exploration
  • Historic gold mining routes
  • Bike-friendly cafes along the way

Natural Wonders

Lake Brunner(Moana Kotuku)

  • New Zealand's largest lake in the West Coast region
  • Post-ride swimming and recovery
  • Sunset views from the jetty
  • Kayak and paddleboard hire
  • Brown trout fishing (in season)

Arnold Valley Rainforest

  • Short walking tracks through native bush
  • Bird watching opportunities
  • Ancient podocarp forests
  • Easy grade paths suitable for families

Local Culture & History

Historic Kumara Township

  • Former gold mining boom town
  • Theatre Royal Hotel (established 1876)
  • Heritage buildings and mining relics
  • Local museum with cycling history display

Recovery & Relaxation

Hotel Lake Brunner

  • Post-event celebration venue
  • Local craft beers on tap
  • Lake view dining

Lake Brunner Lodge

  • Luxury day spa treatments
  • Sports massage available
  • Peaceful garden setting
  • Advance bookings essential

Family Activities

Lake Adventures

  • Guided fishing trips
  • Scenic boat tours
  • Swimming beaches
  • Picnic spots

Nearby Attractions

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