Spectator Information

Crankworx Rotorua will return to Rotorua from March 18 to 26, and we are thrilled to share all the exciting details with you. 

This year, the festival will be split over two event sites, offering twice the fun and adrenaline. 

From March 18-19, we will make history by creating a live show from the Titokorangi and Whakarewarewa Forest, broadcasted on Red Bull TV. Witness firsthand as we send the world’s best downhill riders down the Taniwha DH track, vying for the top spot. The best part? The Rockshox Taniwha DH is free to spectate, so no tickets are required. Join us for training and seeding on March 18th and the Finals on March 19th. 

From March 22-26, Crankworx Rotorua will continue at Skyline Rotorua, bringing even more gravity-fed mountain bike competitions to the table. You won’t want to miss the Rotorua Dual Slalom, Speed & Style Rotorua, Maxxis Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza, Rotorua Pump Track Challenge presented by Torpedo7, Official NZ Whip-Off Championships, and Air Downhill taking place, as well as Kidsworx and Expo. To access this part of the festival, tickets are required and can be purchased from our ticketing page. Day Passes, Multiday Passes, and Premium Pass Upgrades are available to purchase. 

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Rockshox Taniwha DH Information

The DH Hub

If you’re new to exploring the Whakarewarewa Forest, the DH Hub is the most accessible spot to visit. Situated at the finish line of the Taniwha DH track, you can witness riders training and doing their seeding runs on Saturday 18 March, which will give you a sneak peek of what’s to come.

On Sunday 19 March, get ready for some exciting moments as riders cross the finish line and create history during the first-ever live broadcast. At the DH Hub, you can enjoy full coverage on a large screen as each rider competes to be the fastest down the hill. With more than 20 cameras along the track, you won’t miss any of the action. Experienced commentators will keep you informed about everything happening.

Moreover, arrows will guide you to the best viewing areas on the lower part of the track.

At the DH Hub, there will be toilets, a big screen and small range of food and beverage options:

• Teshas for ice cream and coffee.
• BBQ Pitstop for burgers and fries (vege options available).

Accessing the Taniwha DH Hub: 

By foot or bike – There are multiple routes into the forest that take you to the spectator points for the DH. If starting at Waipa Car Park, follow the Very Safe & Ball and Chain trails over the Hill Rd (roughly 3kms). Follow Hill Rd until you reach the DH Hub. If starting at Te Pūtake o Tawa (Forest Hub 2), follow Hill Rd towards the Direct Rd intersection (roughly 1.4kms). Please insure you obey all forest signage (also bring a bike lock if you are riding in).

Catch a Shuttle – a car park shuttle loop will operate continuously throughout the day between Waipa Car Park and the DH Hub free of charge. Catch it from Waipa on Saturday or Sunday between 8:30am – 6:30pm. *Priority will be given to competing athletes and media.

IMPORTANT: You cannot drive to the DH Hub or Taniwha track. You must park in the car park and either walk, bike or catch the free shuttle.

Want to get beyond the DH Hub?

Catch a Mountain Bike Rotorua Shuttle and it will take you to the start of the Rockshox Taniwha DH track. If you wish to use this service, you must purchase a shuttle pass from Mountain Bike Rotorua. Information on where to purchase these and prices can be found here https://www.mtbrotorua.co.nz/shuttles

The Mountain Bike Rotorua shuttle pick up point is at the intersection of Hill Road and Pipeline Road and is a short walk from the DH Hub (and drop off location of the car park shuttle drop-off).

Shuttles will depart for the Main Hill Shuttles periodically throughout each day between 9am – 6pm.

*Priority will be given to competing athletes and media

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Crankworx Rotorua at Skyline Rotorua

Skyline Rotorua is the second venue for Crankworx Rotorua 2023. This  portion of the festival requires a Festival Pass to enter and will take place over the final five days of the festival from 22 – 26 March 2023.

Information for Rotorua Residents: 

Make the most of having this NZ Major Event on your doorstep! Come along to the ticketed portion of the festival for free on March 22 and March 23. We need you to register prior to arriving onsite for Local’s Days; this can be done from our ticketing page. Options for locals:

• Register for Wednesday, March 22 
• Register for Thursday, March 23 (if you want to come on both days, register for both!) 
• Group Registration – want to bring a school, classroom, club group? This registration is for you. 

Locals will need to show proof of residence when arriving onsite with their registration. If you’re bringing in a large group, school uniform or proof of residence from the leader of the group is accepted.