Early Bird Passes Available Now for Crankworx In Aotearoa New Zealand
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,” says ChristchurchNZ Head of Major Events Karena Finnie.
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.
CE of RotoruaNZ, Andrew Wilson says “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.”
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).
Tickets: On Sale Now
Early Bird Anytime Passes are now available for both hallmark Crankworx New Zealand festivals.
- Christchurch Early Bird Passes: Starting from $32.20 (adult) and $16.56 (child).
- Rotorua Early Bird Passes: From $41.40 (adult) and $26.68 (child).
- All passes sold offer “Anytime Access” for fans to make the most of the action-packed festival schedules.
Fans planning to attend both stops can take advantage of the Crankworx New Zealand Festival Pass, providing seamless “Anytime” entry to both festivals and savings on travel – with multiple daily direct flights between Christchurch and Rotorua.
Lock in your tickets early online and experience the world’s best riders, right here in New Zealand. More details on events schedule and athlete line-up coming soon on @crankworxnz.