Wānaka’s zero-carbon challenge, ‘Green Steam’, is back this weekend, taking participants from morning coffee at the Doughbin Bakery to evening drinks at Kai Whakapai - with the Treble Cone summit in between.

Now in its sixth year, the community-led event challenges locals to leave the car at home and tackle the mountain using only their own ‘green steam’. 

Participants will start at the bakery on Saturday morning (September 13), then it’s pedals to the base, boots to the summit, planks for the ride down and wheels all the way back to Wānaka for a well-deserved beer.

Billed as a way to ‘earn your turns’, Green Steam also supports Protect Our Winters, a non-profit made up of outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, scientists and others advocating for policy solutions to climate change.

Last year’s event drew record numbers, organisers said, helped by perfect snow conditions.

Participants travel right up to Treble Cone’s summit.

The event (which is a group ride, not a race) is open to all - organisers just ask that participants sign up to become a member of Protect Our Winters.

Wānaka Police are asking motorists driving to Treble Cone on Saturday morning to take extra care.

They will be sharing the road with as many as 200 cyclists. Give them plenty of space, be aware that cyclists could be around the next corner, and be patient. 

Wānaka Police have asked drivers heading to Treble Cone to take extra care on Saturday morning, with as many as 200 cyclists on the road for the event.

Extra care will help ensure both cyclists and other mountain-goers arrive safely.

Anyone interested in participating in Green Steam can find more information here.

PHOTOS: Chris Chase Photography