Crankworx Summer Series New Zealand Cancelled Due to Fires at Christchurch Port Hills 

Crankworx Summer Series New Zealand Queenstown Pump Track 2023

On February 20, 2024, Crankworx Summer Series New Zealand, scheduled to take place March 1-3 in Ōtautahi Christchurch, was officially cancelled due to ongoing fires in the Port Hills and Christchurch Adventure Park (CAP). 

The CAP crew, along with dozens of local volunteers, had spent months building brand new courses for the Downhill and Pump Track events, slated for the first weekend in March. Sadly, the fires that ignited in the Port Hills on February 14th, caused extensive damage to the Downhill course, with numerous fires still active in the area. Despite the swift and effective emergency response efforts, led by the dedicated emergency responder crews and our mates at CAP, the situation remained under the control of the fire service as of February 20th. 

The Crankworx team thoroughly explored all possible options for hosting Crankworx Summer Series New Zealand, however, none were found to be financially or logistically feasible within the given timeframe, or in terms of meeting the standards expected in mountain bike competitions. 

The Crankworx team, led by Event Director for Crankworx Summer Series New Zealand and Crankworx Rotorua, Ariki Tibble, issued the following statement: 

Kia ora koutou katoa “Hello to you all”

As you will be aware, the fire that began in the Port Hills of Christchurch on February 14, 2024, has significantly impacted Christchurch Adventure Park (CAP), the scheduled venue for Crankworx Summer Series New Zealand from March 1-3, 2024. 

Emergency response efforts have been swift and effective, thanks to the tireless work of the emergency responder crews and our mates at CAP. At this time, the situation remains in the hands of the fire service and the full extent of the impact on the Port Hills, CAP, and surrounding areas is yet to be fully determined. 

It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the complete cancellation of Crankworx Summer Series New Zealand for 2024. Despite exhaustive efforts by the Crankworx team, the CAP crew, and our friends at ChristchurchNZ, we have been left with no choice due to the extensive damage to the courses and ongoing safety concerns on the site, making it impossible to proceed with the event as planned for March 1-3, 2024. 

We are deeply saddened by this decision and recognise the impact it has on each of you. Our thoughts and support remain with the teams on the ground who are tirelessly engaged in firefighting, assessment, and containment efforts.  

If you can, please support Christchurch Foundation’s Port Hills regeneration efforts – Port Hills Fire Regeneration | Christchurch Foundation 

Please note that Crankworx Rotorua remains scheduled and on track for March 16-24, 2024.  
Thank you for your patience and understanding, while we navigate these uncertain times. 

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa (“Acknowledgements to you all”) 

We are grateful to our partners for standing by us during this challenging period: Crankworx World Tour, New Zealand Major Events, ChristchurchNZ, Christchurch Adventure Park, Christchurch Airport, ITM and all of our Suppliers, Athletes, Volunteers, Media, Spectators and the community of Christchurch. 

The entire Crankworx family extends its thoughts to the local crews who are tirelessly managing the situation on site, as well as to the Christchurch Adventure Park team, for whom this tragedy is all too familiar, having gone through a similar situation with extensive regeneration efforts seven years ago 

The cancellation of the event is a significant disappointment for athletes, sponsors, ticket holders, and the wider mountain biking community. However, the health and safety of all involved remain the top priority, and the decision to cancel was made with this in mind. Future Crankworx events are being held as scheduled: