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🚴♂️ Ride Holidays Raetihi Gutbuster 2026📍 Raetihi, Ruapehu
📅 Saturday 18 April 2026
Challenge the roads. Embrace the community.
The Ride Holidays Raetihi Gutbuster is back for 2026 — bringing riders, runners, families and friends together in the heart of Ruapehu for a day that’s equal parts challenge, scenery and rural hospitality.
This is one of New Zealand’s iconic on-road cycling and running events — honest hills, quiet roads, big skies and a community that genuinely welcomes you in.
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🚴 CYCLING EVENTS
🚴♂️ Raetihi 88 – NEW for 2026
An 88km river-to-mountain road adventure like no other. Riders are shuttled to the Whanganui River Road for a stunning start beside the awa, before climbing through dramatic papa cliffs, remote valleys and historic landscapes. The route returns to Raetihi via the Waipuna Cycleway with 1,698m of total ascent.
For fit, confident riders. No private support vehicles permitted.
🚴 52km Gutbuster Classic
The original. A 52km out-and-back ride from Raetihi to Pipiriki and return, featuring 987m of cumulative climbing. A true test of grit, legs and pacing — and the ride that built the legend.
🚴 20km Valley Spin (E-bikes welcome)
A shorter, achievable option with stunning rural views. Perfect for families, newer riders and those who just want to soak in the atmosphere.
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🏃 RUNNING EVENTS
🏃 Waipuna Challenge Half Marathon (21km)
A beautiful but challenging rural road course with rolling hills and rewarding views across the Waimarino landscape.
🏃 5km Community Fun Run
Family-friendly, welcoming and full of personality — with optional dress-up and team categories. Bring your mates, bring the kids, bring your creativity.
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🥕 MORE THAN A RACE
Every participant receives a bag of fresh, locally grown vegetables — a nod to the rich market garden heritage of Raetihi and Ohakune. It’s our way of saying thanks for coming and celebrating our place.
Race HQ is based in Raetihi township, where you’ll find music, supporters, local hospitality and a proper rural event vibe.
Make a weekend of it. Stay, ride, run, explore.
Entries are open now.
#RaetihiGutbuster #RideHolidays #RideHolidaysTours #ExploreRuapehu #RuapehuNZ
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Event Venue
Seddon St, Raetihi 4632, New Zealand, 104 Seddon St, Raetihi 4632, New Zealand, Wanganui
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
