Insider’s Guide to Crankworx Rotorua

Crankworx Rotorua will kick things off in just a few days and we’ve got the inside scoop on all you need to know about Crankworx Rotorua.
The festival will be split over two event sites, offering twice the fun and adrenaline.  

March 18-19th – RockShox Taniwha Downhill

Watch DH history in the making from the Titokorangi and Whakarewarewa Forest, broadcasted on Red Bull TV. Witness first-hand 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, no tickets are required!

Join us for training and seeding on March 18th and the finals on March 19th.  

March 22-26th – Skyline Rotorua

Crankworx Rotorua will continue at Skyline Rotorua, bringing even more gravity-fueled mountain biking 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. 

If you’re planning to attend some or all of the action in the Whakarewarewa Forest and Skyline Rotorua, here’s all you need to know.  

Event Schedule 

For the full event schedule please click here. We recommend you check this regularly in case there are any changes due to wind or rain!

The Rockshox Taniwha Downhill – Whakarewarewa Forest

How to get there: 

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 shuttle. 

Shuttles 

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 

Location: 

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 

The DH Hub 

The DH Hub is the easiest to access spot if it’s your first time out exploring this part of the Whakarewarewa Forest.  It’s based around the finish line of the Taniwha DH track. On Saturday 18 March, you’ll get a small taste of what’s to come as riders train and do their seeding (qualifying) runs.  

On Sunday 19 March, expect epic moments as riders cross the finish line and make history during the first ever live broadcast. From the DH Hub, you’ll be able to watch full coverage on the big screen as each rider does their best to be the fastest down the hill. Over 20 cameras will be placed down along the track making sure to capture all the action. We’ll have commentators making keeping you informed with everything going on.  

There will also be arrows directing people to the best viewing locations on the lower section of the track.  

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

Crankworx Rotorua – Skyline Rotorua

Skyline Rotorua is the second venue for Crankworx Rotorua. 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. 

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 by clicking here.

Options for locals: 

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.  

Skyline Bike Park Operations 

For Skyline Rotorua Bike Park access and track closures please click here.

Getting to Skyline Rotorua by Car: 

 *Do not attempt to park in the Skyline main carpark. This carpark will be monitored and is not available to those attending Crankworx Rotorua.

Getting to Skyline Rotorua by Bike: 

Bike Parking is available at the main entrance. Please bring your own bike lock. 

The cycleway from the city centre to Skyline Rotorua is networked by a shared cycleway and cycle lane that is easy to navigate and takes approximately 15 minutes. 

Getting to Skyline Rotorua by Bus: 

The local bus service, Cityride, has 11 routes throughout the city; Route 1 includes stops at Skyline Rotorua, the site of Crankworx Rotorua.  Route 10 includes Rotorua Airport.  

Daysaver passes are only $7 per day and allow multiple rides and transfers within the day (valid on day of issue only). You can purchase a pass from the i-SITE Information and Visitor Centre or pay your fare directly to the driver (cash only). To located the Rotorua i-SITE please click here. 

Alternatively if you just want to take a return trip the cost is $2.80 (cash) each way for adults and $1.70 (cash) for kids. This service runs on the half hour to and from Skyline Rotorua and is the easiest way to get to and from the Rotorua CDB to the event. Click here for more information.

Crankworx Rotorua Merch & Expo Festivities:

Get kitted out with Crankworx Rotorua merch available for sale in the Expo Zone.  

The Expo Zone, is the space to check out the latest in mountain biking products, enter competitions, grab some swag and learn more about some of your favourite mountain bike and adventure brands.  

Follow us (Crankworx Rotorua) on Instagram or Facebook for updates and timing on exciting activations from key sponsors like Ilabb, SRAM, Maxxis and more.

Where to Eat? 

Crankworx Rotorua will be set up with a range of different food vendors offering everything you could possibly want to fuel a great days’ worth of action on the mountain. From healthy smoothies and vegan eats to more indulgent treats like donuts and Mexican street food, there is sure to be something for everyone.
Click here for the full list of expo attendees.

Can’t Make it Onsite? 

Catch all the action live on Red Bull TV, follow us on Instagram @CrankworxRotorua and @Crankworx for course previews and daily highlights, and photo recaps of all the best action daily from Crankworx Rotorua.