Directory

Every year mountain bikers from all ends of New Zealand and the world clamour for one of a thousand slots in what has become "New Zealand's Must Do Mountain Bike Event".

Established in 1986, the Merida Karapoti Classic is the longest running mountain bike event in the Southern Hemisphere. Created by Wellington's Kennett Brothers, who between them have influenced mountain biking more than anyone else in New Zealand, Karapoti is less a race than it is an event from which has arisen a very real culture. A culture built via a combination of innovative organisation, spectacular scenery, an exciting social scene, and a unique challenge that is at the same time uncompromising, achievable and inspirational.

Based within the rugged splendour of Wellington's Akatarawa Ranges, 10km north of Upper Hutt, the classic that is Karapoti revolves around an uncompromising, some say cruel, 50km of 4WD trails, gnarly single track, wheel sucking sludge, raging river crossings, wall to wall wilderness and huge hills that have you grinding a granny ring up but grinning like a goon on the way down. Key elements of the course such as "The Rock Garden," "Devil's Staircase," and "Big Ring Boulevard," are spoken in hushed tones of nervous anticipation and misty sometimes bloody memories. It's the toughest mountain bike race in the Southern Hemisphere, but also the most awe-inspiring.