Challenge Wanaka Half Triathlon

Challenge Wānaka

Challenge Wānaka is a multi-day triathlon festival held on the shores of Lake Wānaka in New Zealand. The event attracts over 2,500 participants across professional, age-group and junior categories and takes place against the backdrop of the Southern Alps and the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. The swim takes place in the lake waters of Roys Bay and follows a buoy-marked rectangular route. The bike course covers 80 km along roads near the lake edge and is completed over multiple laps. The run follows an out-and-back lakeside trail from the town center, offering continuous views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

The festival program includes a full middle-distance triathlon, an aqua bike option, and a junior challenge for primary school aged children with short swim, bike and run segments. Race entries include a unique finishers medal, a finishers t-shirt, and a swim cap. Average event environmental conditions listed are about 19°C air temperature, 16°C water temperature and 15 kph wind speed. The event has been recognised in 2024 as Challenge Family’s Most Eco-Friendly Race, and a race expo and spectator areas are part of the festival atmosphere.

Distances Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

• 100 distance: 2 km swim, 80 km bike, 18 km run
• Aqua bike: 2 km swim, 80 km bike
• Junior Challenge: 150–200 m swim, 1–3 km bike, 250 m–2 km run

Events nearby