Twizel Hard Labour Weekend
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Meridian Twizel Hard Labour Weekend : October in the Mackenzie
The Meridian Twizel Hard Labour Weekend is a volunteer-run, two-day multisport event held in the Mackenzie high country around Twizel. The programme combines canal kayaking, mountain biking, and off-road running and walking across farmland, DOC land, hydro canals, and lake areas. The event distributes funds to support local youth sports clubs and community groups that assist with safety and event services.
The format includes individual event entries and a combined two-day multisport option called the Hard Labourer, which comprises a canal kayak, a Dusky Trail mountain bike stage and the Pyramid off-road run. For 2026 an over-65 age bracket has been added for most events. Youth and children’s options are provided, with specific safeguards for younger competitors in water events and entry limits for some youth races.
Course notes: the kayak route involves Lake Ruataniwha and hydro canals and finishes at Lake Benmore near Ohau C Power Station outlet. The mountain bike courses traverse high country stations and farm paddocks with mostly flat terrain and a few stream crossings. Running and walking routes start and finish in Ben Ohau Station paddocks and follow farm tracks and 4WD routes to stream sections.
Distances and youth options: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- 20 km canal kayak (Steve Skinner)
- 16 km and 40 km Dusky Trail mountain bike
- 10 km and 21 km off-road run or walk
- 5 km youth kayak and 10 km / 5 km kids’ bike and run