Tauranga was this morning revealed as the host city for three of World Triathlon’s most prestigious events.
The upcoming 2026 Triathlon World Cup Tauranga, the 2027 World Triathlon Championship Series Tauranga, and the 2028 World Triathlon Championship Finals Tauranga, will lift the city’s status as a world-class destination for international sport and major events.
These events will bring thousands of elite athletes, support crews, and spectators to our shores, with international broadcast coverage reaching millions more – showcasing our stunning landscapes, active lifestyles, and helping position Tauranga as a vibrant, globally connected city. It’s an opportunity to inspire future visitors and deliver lasting tourism and economic benefits for years to come.
These events are expected to inject a significant boost into the local economy, particularly in 2028, the World Championship Finals year, with a predicted 4,500 total athletes set to compete.
Across the three events, Tauranga is projected to welcome more than 6,000 international visitors. The total visitor impact for Tauranga will be major, resulting in an anticipated 46,000 visitor nights and generating approximately $11 million in visitor spend to the Tauranga economy.
The Government is investing $2.65 million from the Major Events Fund to support Tri NZ to host World Triathlon events in Tauranga over three years. Tauranga City Council and TECT Community Trust have contributed a combined investment of $350,000 towards securing hosting of the series.
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale is thrilled about the announcement.
“Securing the World Triathlon events is a landmark achievement for Tauranga – one that reflects our aspiration to be a premier destination for major international events.
Tauranga already boasts a proud triathlon heritage, with annual standout events like the Mount Festival of Multisport, Tinman Triathlon, and Surfbreaker Triathlon delivering strong community engagement and economic benefits. Hosting three of the sport’s most prestigious international events will build on that momentum and elevate our city to the world stage.
“These events are about more than sport – they’re an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy,” Mahé continues. “From inspiring the next generation of athletes to boosting tourism, showcasing our manaakitanga, and creating enduring economic and social benefits, the impact will be felt well beyond the finish line.
We’re proud to welcome the international triathlon community, their supporters, and sports enthusiasts to Tauranga, Aotearoa, New Zealand, and to show the world all that our city and region have to offer.”
Alongside the triathlon events, the World Triathlon Congress will also take place in Tauranga in 2028, bringing over 160 international delegates from the global sport community. This congress will offer benefits for our local business, convention, and accommodation sectors, and connect our local organisations with global sports leaders.
These events have been made possible through the collaboration and support of New Zealand Major Events, Tauranga City Council, TECT Community Trust, and Triathlon New Zealand.
The countdown is on!