Global athletes race into town

Date:

10 Dec 2024, 9:00 am

Categories:

News

It's race week and Taupō is ready for you VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship!

This is no ordinary IRONMAN event - for a start, this one runs over two separate days! Our district will be absolutely buzzing as we welcome more than 6000 world-class triathletes from all parts of the globe.

This is the first ever VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship event in New Zealand. It will be the biggest IRONMAN event held in our country and an amazing opportunity for us to extend our legendary hospitality to athletes and visitors.

#LOVETAUPŌ has had a makeover, Towncentre Taupō have been busy decorating, our tamariki have been practising hard for the pōwhiri and writing inspirational letters to athletes, our wāhine have been training for the all-female waka and our people and businesses are ready to welcome you!

Taupō is bustling as we see more people out and about shopping, eating and just enjoying what Taupō offers. Many athletes have already arrived and have been training here.

Parade of Nations: Support our rangatahi and tamaraki as they perform a pōwhiri for around 4,000 international athletes at the Parade of Nations on Thursday 12 December. The Pōwhiri begins at 3.30pm at Te Ātea followed by the epic spectacle of athletes marching with their countries’ flags along Tongariro St to Tongariro North Domain. Not to be missed!
All female waka: IRONMAN events traditionally begin with a waka crossing Taupō Moana to the start line of the swim. The women’s race on Saturday will have an extra special start with an all-female waka led with local wahine toa, including a 93-year-old! Witness this deeply culturally and historically significant beginning to the event from Ferry Road.
It’s a two day event: Women race first on Saturday 14 and men race on Sunday 15 December. These are world class athletes so they will complete the course quickly.
Get ready to cheer: Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to support this incredible event happening in our backyard. We have a reputation for having the best supporters and volunteers. Let’s show them how it’s done!

Traffic, travel and road closures

There are going to be roads closed before, during and after the event. The ETA (bypass highway) will be the best way to get around.
Plan ahead if you are travelling this week and expect delays. You might not get your usual car park in Taupō town centre and find it’s easier to park outside the main CBD. Walk or bike from there and soak up the party atmosphere along the way!
Keep an eye out for competitors training, especially cyclists. Be patient and drive with care when passing.

See more detailed info on road closures

What can you do to get prepared?

Get your dump run in either before the big event or after. Broadlands Road Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre will be closed during the races.
Do your supermarket shop early - with all the extra people in town it'll be a bit busy!
Grab your weekend reads ahead of time - Taupō Library will be closed on Saturday during the event.
Start making your supporter signs - let's keep our reputation of being the best IRONMAN supporters in the world!
Call our customer services team a call rather than walking in if you need help over the event weekend. We’re available 24/7 on the phone at 0800 ASK TDC or 07 376 0899.