As the world’s biggest mountain bike festival series returns to Rotorua for year 12, Christchurch will officially level up, standing alongside Rotorua, Whistler, and Mont-Sainte-Anne as a premier global destination. Fans in Aotearoa will now have two chances to experience the world’s best riders, with Christchurch Adventure Park hosting February 19–22, followed by long-standing Crankworx host, legendary Rotorua, March 11–15.
With valuable points on the line for athletes in pursuit of the Crankworx World Tour Series or King & Queen of Crankworx titles, some of the world’s best will descend on New Zealand to kick off their 2026 season – fans shouldn’t miss their chance to see the action live.
Christchurch Levels Up
Following its success as part of the Crankworx Summer Series, Crankworx Christchurch steps up to the global stage in 2026. Backed by ChristchurchNZ and NZ Major Events, Christchurch Adventure Park will host full World Tour competitions, including the Christchurch Gold Slopestyle, Redemption Downhill, and Christchurch Pump Track Challenge.
Adding Crankworx to our annual sporting calendar diversified the city’s events offering and helped bring our city’s identity to life – a true representation of balance and play. Now, making the step up to the global stage with World Tour competition puts Ōtautahi Christchurch on the downhill mountain biking world map and we look forward to showing off our natural landscape and sharing our venues with international audiences.
Karena Finnie, ChristchurchNZ Head of Major Events
The investment into infrastructure, including a Gold-level Slopestyle course, World Cup-standard DH track, and pump track, ensures a lasting legacy for the region and a home for future champions through CWNextyouth development events.
Rotorua: The Soul of Crankworx
Returning March 11–15, Crankworx Rotorua continues its legacy as the flagship Southern Hemisphere stop. The festival’s streamlined five-day schedule will feature world-class events including the Kārearea Downhill, Specialized Dual Slalom, Pump Track Challenge, and the McGazza Slopestyle, alongside the new Skyline Double Down.
Crankworx fans really make Rotorua their own and you know they’re here when there’s a queue of bikes at the shuttle and helmets start showing up at our favourite cafés. We’rethrilled to host again in 2026 and can’t wait to share all the places that make our city so special. From the world-class trails, stunning lakes and a community deeply connected to adventure and the outdoors, even repeat Crankworx visitors will find new things to do in 2026.
Andrew Wilson, CE of RotoruaNZ
Crankworx Rotorua will partner with Cycling New Zealand, MTBNZ, and the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club to host the nation’s top-tier races, including the MTB National Downhill Championships during Crankworx week (March 11–15), and Cross Country (XCO/XCC) and Enduro Nationals the following weekend (March 20–22).
About Crankworx World Tour
Crankworx is the ultimate experience in mountain biking. Born in Whistler, B.C. in 2004, Crankworx has evolved into a multi-stop international festival series. The Crankworx World Tour brings together the best mountain bike athletes to compete in elite-level competitions in a variety of disciplines. Crankworx World Tour festivals also host races for amateurs, Kidsworx contests for young riders, participatory events, and celebrations of mountain bike culture, all while showcasing amazing destinations.
Official website: crankworx.com
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