RIDE THE RAKAIA

Location: NZ - South
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

The Ride The Rakaia stands as one of Canterbury's most distinctive cycling challenges, inviting riders to "do what the salmon can't" by traversing the magnificent Rakaia River valley in a single day. This 93km adventure takes cyclists through spectacular rural Canterbury landscapes, from vast dairy pastures to high-yield crop farms, all while the majestic Mt Hutt provides a stunning backdrop. With competitive categories for everyone from teenagers to seasoned veterans, plus dedicated divisions for Clydesdales and E-bike enthusiasts, this event combines serious racing with genuine Kiwi camaraderie

Date: Saturday 24 October 2026

Location: Starts at Mead Community Hall, finishes at Rakaia Domain, Canterbury, NZ

Start Time: Race pack collection from 6:30 AM

Event Type: Road cycling race/challenge

Distance: 93 km

The route forms a spectacular loop along both banks of the Rakaia River. Starting from Mead Community Hall, riders head up the North Bank through pastoral dairy country toward the historic Rakaia Gorge. After crossing the century-old bridges, the course climbs toward Mt Hutt Station with the iconic mountain providing a magnificent backdrop. The final leg delivers an exhilarating descent past productive crop farms before a fast, flat finish at the Rakaia Domain. Most competitive riders complete the course in under three hours, with the route offering both challenging sections and opportunities for strategic racing.

18+ Years (93km)

  • Early Bird: NZ$119
  • Standard: NZ$149
  • Late Entry: NZ$170

13-17 Years (93km)

  • Early Bird: NZ$89
  • Standard: NZ$99
  • Late Entry: NZ$120

Tandem - Two on One Bike (93km)

  • Early Bird): NZ$179
  • Standard: NZ$199
  • Late Entry: NZ$220

Registration includes: Race timing, course support, and post-race celebrations.

Men's Categories:

  • 13-17 Years - School Boy
  • 18-39 Years - Open Men
  • 40-49 Years - Veteran Men
  • 50-59 Years - Classic Men
  • 60-69 Years - Vintage Men
  • 70+ Years - Seasoned Men
  • Clydesdale (over 100kgs)
  • ebike - Non Competitive

Women's Categories:

  • 13-17 Years - School Girl
  • 18-39 Years - Open Women
  • 40-49 Years - Veteran Women
  • 50-59 Years - Classic Women
  • 60-69 Years - Vintage Women
  • 70+ Years - Seasoned Women
  • Clydesdalesses (over 75kgs)
  • ebike - Non Competitive

Tandem:

  • Open category (two riders, one bike)

Race pack collection at Mead Community Hall (6:30-7:30 AM)

Course marshals at key intersections

Post-race refreshments

Prize giving ceremony at Salmon Tales Cafe (approximately 2:00 PM)

Custom cycling tops available for purchase

Event Director: John Moore

Email: john@cjmsevents.co.nz

Phone: 027 226 7769

Website: raceroster.com/events/2025/96567/ride-the-rakaia

By Car

  • From Christchurch: 45 minutes via State Highway 1 (65 km)
  • From Timaru: 1 hour 30 minutes via State Highway 1 (120 km)
  • From Queenstown: 5 hours via State Highway 8 and 1 (380 km)

By Air

  • Christchurch International Airport: 50 minutes drive to event start
  • Regular domestic and international flights
  • Car hire available at terminal

Make a weekend of it by exploring Canterbury's diverse attractions before or after your ride.

Outdoor Adventures

  • Rakaia Gorge Walkway - spectacular views of the gorge and river
  • Salmon fishing in the Rakaia River (seasonal)

Food & Beverage

  • Methven's dining scene - Various options from pub meals to fine dining
  • Local craft breweries and Canterbury wineries

Recovery Activities

Family Activities

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