After a five-year hiatus, one of New Zealand’s iconic mountain bike events, the Lake Hāwea Epic, will make its return on March 28, 2026.

The Lake Hāwea Epic is renowned for its rugged beauty, taking riders through two private high-country stations - Hunter Valley and Dingle Burn - which are accessible to the public only on race day. 

Returning competitors and newcomers alike can look forward to many of the event’s traditions that make it unique, including the enduring Last Man Standing challenge - a group of about 15 riders who have completed every Epic since 2008.

Riders will again experience the country’s most remote ‘café’, where tea and scones are served as they roll through Dingle Burn Station, while local community groups will continue to support the event as their major annual fundraiser. 

Among the new developments for 2026 are initiatives to make the event more accessible by supporting e-bike riders with a mid-course battery changeover point for both the Epic and Classic courses. 

The elite race will feature increased prize money for the top male and female finishers, and a new 16–18-year-old category will be introduced for the Classic event, giving young riders a chance to experience the challenge.

More details here.