AROUND BRUNNER CYCLE
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.
Key Event Details
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)
Course Description
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.
Event Categories
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)
Participant Support
- 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
Contact Information
- Event organiser: CJM’s events
- Email: john@cjmsevents.co.nz
- Website: raceroster.com/events/2025/89938/around-brunner
Getting There
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
- Hotel Lake Brunner(event HQ) - limited rooms, book early
- Moana township holiday homes and B&Bs
- Greymouth accommodation(45 minutes away)
Local Attractions
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
- Easy lakeside recovery rides
- Family-friendly cycle paths
- Photography opportunities along the water's edge
- Perfect for pre-race leg spinning
- 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)
- Short walking tracks through native bush
- Bird watching opportunities
- Ancient podocarp forests
- Easy grade paths suitable for families
Local Culture & History
- Former gold mining boom town
- Theatre Royal Hotel (established 1876)
- Heritage buildings and mining relics
- Local museum with cycling history display
Recovery & Relaxation
- Post-event celebration venue
- Local craft beers on tap
- Lake view dining
- 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