The Lake Dunstan Cycle Challenge is Central Otago's premier open road race: a 90km sealed circuit looping Lake Dunstan from Cromwell through Northburn, Tarras and Luggate before returning via Wanaka Road. Organised by the Central Otago Wakatipu Cycle Club (COWCC), it draws riders from across New Zealand each January, from club-level beginners to elite competitors sponsored by the New Zealand Cycling Project.

The event is a scratch race, meaning all riders start together, but a wave start system groups participants by category so less experienced riders aren't swamped off the line. Prize money and age-grade medals make it genuinely competitive at every level, while the relaxed finish and prizegiving at the Forage Cafe give it the community warmth of a club event. With Queenstown, Wanaka and Cromwell all within easy reach, it sits in one of the most spectacular cycling landscapes in the Southern Hemisphere.