Organisers have revealed the course for the 2026 World Triathlon Cup Tauranga on November 22, one that is set to promote the stunning Mount Maunganui location to a global audience at this year’s event, as part of a three-year programme culminating in the 2028 World Triathlon Championships.
Described as a fast, flat and technical course, athletes and spectators alike will be treated to some amazing viewpoints around the course as the region welcomes a significant international event.
A section of the course passes past the area affected by the January landslide tragedy. The event acknowledges the six lives lost and the lasting impact felt by families, friends and the wider community.
Out of respect for those affected, and to support the continued sensitivity of the area, spectator access and filming will be restricted along the Adams Avenue section of the course.
Event Director Shanelle Barrett has been working closely with Tauranga City Council and local businesses to create something truly special.
“With the collaboration of council, local community, and Iwi, we believe we have landed on a superb course in a stunning location, one that will showcase the best that the Bay of Plenty has to offer, while remaining sensitive to the events of last summer and the ongoing recovery for those affected, and the continuing work to stabilise Mauao.
Waikorire Pilot Bay is the heart of the event, with the swim start, transition area, and race finish all in close proximity. Barrett says this will create a true hub for the event for athletes, spectators and media.
“Waikorire Pilot Bay has a long history with triathlon and in 2026 we are working closely with local triathlon and multisport club Triathlon Tauranga as organisers of the Marra Construction Tinman Triathlon, to combine one amazing day encompassing age group racing at a truly iconic event on the New Zealand triathlon calendar, with the elite World Cup racing in the afternoon,” said Barrett.
“This brings the best of both worlds together with the age groupers racing in the morning on parts of the World Cup course that some of the best in the world will race on in the afternoon. Age group competitors can then settle in for the day, enjoy the local Mount hospitality in the many cafes and restaurants, and watch the elite athletes in the afternoon.”
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says the World Triathlon Cup sets the stage for three exciting years of world-class competition, while recognising the importance of hosting this year’s event with sensitivity following the tragic events of 22 January.
“As we prepare to welcome athletes and visitors from around the world, we’re very conscious of the tragedy of 22 January, the six lives lost, and the lasting impact on families, friends and our wider community. It’s important this event is delivered with care and respect for those affected.
“From the outset, this has been a collaborative effort involving Tauranga City Council, Triathlon New Zealand, Tourism Bay of Plenty, Mount Business Association and local stakeholders. Bringing everyone together on the same journey means we can make the most of this opportunity for our city while being mindful of what our community has been through.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming athletes and visitors across the weekend and sharing the manaakitanga that makes Tauranga such a great host for major events.
“The event will bring energy and vibrancy to the city and provide a welcome boost for Mount Maunganui businesses, with visitors supporting local cafés, restaurants, shops and accommodation providers.”
Athletes will complete a 750m swim from the beach at Waikorire Pilot Bay, transition to a 20km bike course made up of four laps circumnavigating Hopukiore (Mount Drury) Reserve, before finishing on a five kilometre (two laps) run course back to the finish line at Waikorire Pilot Bay.
The Mall, Adams Ave, Marine Parade feature significantly in both the bike and run course, with athletes completing a loop of the circuit out from the transition area and start finish line at the Salisbury Ave end of The Mall.
Spectators are encouraged to find great viewing points along The Mall and Marine Parade, especially around the race transition and finish line on The Mall near Salisbury Ave.
A big screen showing the race coverage and spectator grandstands will provide great viewing at the finish line, with spectators also able to move easily around the course and gain incredible views of the athletes up close as they take on a course that will see the pedal to the floor throughout.
The race will be broadcast in New Zealand on TVNZ+ and screened around the world via World Triathlon channels.
The three-year partnership sees Tauranga host a World Triathlon Cup in 2026, a World Triathlon Championship Series race in 2027, and the World Triathlon Championship Series Grand Final, Age Group World Championship, and Paratriathlon World Championships in 2028, events that will see significant economic impact and global exposure for the region and country.
The course details for 2027 and 2028 are yet to be confirmed.
By the numbers
- Expected Amateur/Age Group Competitors: 700
- Elite World Cup Competitors:130
- Countries Represented: 33
2026 World Triathlon Cup Tauranga, featuring the Marra Construction Tinman Triathlon
Sunday November 22, 2026
- Marra Construction Tinman Triathlon events featuring:
- Standard Distance: 7:30am
- Short Course: 9:15am
- Splash’n’Dash boys and girls: 9:40am
- Sprint Distance: 10:30am
- Para-Tri : 10:47am
- Women’s Elite World Triathlon Cup: 2:00pm
- Men’s Elite World Triathlon Cup: 4:00pm
- Elite Medal ceremonies: 5:10pm
World Triathlon Cup Tauranga 2026 is first leg of a three-year run of World Triathlon events to be staged in Tauranga, culminating in the world governing body’s showcase T50 Triathlon World Tour Grand Final in 2028.
World Triathlon Cup Tauranga is proudly supported through the Government’s Major Events Fund. Tauranga City Council, ASICS New Zealand and House of Travel are the other major event partners with Port of Tauranga, Barfoot & Thompson, Bay Radiology and Suzuki New Zealand on board as supporting partners.
Information for this media release provided by Triathlon New Zealand and World Triathlon.