Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge 2026

The wind and weather on Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge

The Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge is New Zealand’s biggest one-day ride: 160 km around Lake Taupō, starting and finishing in Taupō town, with start groups seeded by expected finish time.

Late November on the central plateau can bring four seasons in a day: cold at dawn, warm by the afternoon, and showers are common. The prevailing wind is westerly to south-westerly, so the exposed western side of the lake around Waihaha and the open farmland are where a headwind is felt most, and a group that starts an hour later can meet a different ride. Pick your start group and pace above: the forecast follows the hours you’ll actually be riding. The wind on every stretch of the course appears once the route is added to this page.

Questions about Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge

When is Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge 2026?

Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge is on Saturday, 28 November 2026, in Taupō, New Zealand. Entries, start times and rules are on the official website.

How long is Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge?

The main route is 160 km. Set your pace on this page to see roughly when you'll finish, and the weather for the hours you'll be riding.

Where does Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge start and finish?

At Tongariro Street, Taupō, Taupō, New Zealand. This page forecasts the weather there for your start time until the official route is published, then the wind on every stretch of the course.

When does the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge weather forecast open?

On Wed 18 Nov, about 10 days before the start, when Apple Weather's hourly forecast first reaches race day. It then updates through the day until race morning.

Will it be windy for Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge?

The forecast on this page answers that for your own start time and pace: the average wind, the strongest gusts, the temperature and any rain while you're riding. Once the route is published it also shows where you'll have a headwind, a crosswind or a tailwind.

Is this the official Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge forecast?

No. Windline is independent and not affiliated with the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge Trust. It's a free wind and weather forecast for riders, from Apple Weather data.