It's a triathlon experience unlike anything Tauranga has seen before, combining elite international competition with a much-loved local event celebrating its 38th year. With the iconic World Triathlon blue carpet stretching along part of The Mall, spectators can get up close to the action and enjoy a full day of racing all in one spectacular setting.
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says the World Triathlon Cup marks the beginning of three exciting years of world-class triathlon in the city with the World Triathlon Championship Series in 2027 and World Triathlon Championship Grand Final in 2028.
“Our community is no stranger to triathlon, with the Tinman an iconic event here at the start of every summer. To now welcome the World Triathlon Cup alongside this much-loved local event is unreal.
“We're at the beginning of an exciting three-year journey. 2026 is a taste of what's to come, with 2027 and 2028 taking things up another notch in size and scale.
“Having seen the elite start list, we really do have some of the world's best triathletes coming here. The eyes of the triathlon world are on us, and this gives our community something pretty special to be part of.
“We encourage everyone to come along and enjoy the action, support Mount Maunganui businesses, and help create an unforgettable atmosphere for athletes, supporters and visitors.”
Paul Miller of Triathlon Tauranga says the World Triathlon Cup adds another level of excitement to the Tinman, with the international event expected to attract more competitors and give the long-running local race a boost in numbers.
“The Tinman is an important race for age-group athletes, serving as the selection race for the World Triathlon Age Group Standard Distance Championships in Hamburg, Germany, in September 2027, as well as the Tri NZ Suzuki Series Standard Distance Championships and Para Sprint Triathlon National Championships.
“It’s a great opportunity for athletes to race for personal bests, national titles and world championship selection, and then stay on to watch some of the world’s leading triathletes compete in the World Triathlon.”
Event Director Shanelle Barrett has been working closely with Tauranga City Council and local businesses to create something truly special.
“We’re really looking forward to bringing the World Triathlon Cup to Tauranga. The course setup will look different to a standard triathlon event, with fencing throughout the course and more restrictive vehicle movements to meet World Triathlon safety requirements.
“We appreciate this may mean some changes for the local community and thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we get ready to host this exciting international event.”
Event details:
Event hub: Waikorire Pilot Bay
Marra Construction Tinman Triathlon:
- Standard Distance: 7:30am
- Short Course: 9:15am
- Splash’n’Dash boys and girls: 9:40am
- Sprint Distance: 10:30am
- Para-Tri: 10:47am
World Triathlon Cup, Tauranga:
- Women’s Elite race: 2pm
- Men’s Elite race: 4pm
- Elite medal ceremonies: 5pm
Where to watch:
Both triathlons promise exciting racing and fantastic viewing with the swim start, transition area, and race finish all in close proximity. Spectators are encouraged to find a spot along the following sections of the course:
- The Mall
- Marine Parade
- Race transition and finish line on The Mall (near Salisbury Ave)
A large screen and spectator grandstands will be located at the finish line. It will be broadcast locally on TVNZ+ and live streamed internationally through World Triathlon channels.
Event road closures:
To ensure athlete and public safety, a number of temporary road closures will be in place. Businesses remain open as normal, and pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the day.
- Resident access will be managed around race operations, with vehicle access opportunities provided where and when it is safe and practical.
- Please note, there will be no vehicle access during the racing. Event marshals will be on hand to assist during road closure periods.
- Emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times.
Date and periods of closures:
Lane closure from 6am Friday 20 November - 6am Saturday 21 November 2026
- On the seaward side of The Mall between Salisbury Avenue and Prince Avenue
Road closures from 6am Saturday 21 November - 1pm Sunday 22 November 2026
- Salisbury Wharf Car Park
- Salisbury Avenue from The Mall to Victoria Road
- The Mall from Salisbury Avenue to Prince Avenue
Road closures from 5am-1pm
- The Mall entire length including Pilot Bay Boatramp
- Marine Parade entire length
- Adams Avenue entire length
- Prince Avenue from The Mall to Victoria Road
- Oceanbeach Road entire length
Road closure from 8am Friday 20 November to 12pm Monday 23 November
- Nikau Crescent entire length
Road closures from 1pm - 8.30pm Sunday 22 November
- Salisbury Wharf Car Park
- Salisbury Avenue from The Mall to Victoria Road
- The Mall from Salisbury Avenue to Prince Avenue
Road closures from 1pm - 6pm Sunday 22 November
- The Mall from Prince Avenue to Adams Avenue
- Victoria Road entire length (lane closure on seaward side)
- Pacific Avenue from The Mall to Victoria Road and Maunganui Road to Marine Parade
- Adams Avenue entire length
- Marine Parade from Adams Avenue to Banks Avenue
- Grace Avenue from Maunganui Road to Marine Parade
- Maunganui Road between Grace Avenue and Pacific Avenue
Tauranga resident information.
More information about World Triathlon events including athlete information, course maps and full schedules.