The IRONMAN New Zealand triathlon and the Iron Maori duathlons and triathlon, the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, Taniwha Mountain Bike and Trail Run and the Great Lake Relay are epic challenges for those who want to push their own limits.
There are ski, snowboard and sledding competitions at Mt Ruapehu through the ski season for snow lovers.
There are plenty of family-friendly spectator events, including the North Island Wakeboarding Champs at Lake Maraetai in Mangakino, motorsport at the Bruce McLaren Motorsport Centre, golfing competitions and the Hooked festival celebrating the country’s best trout-fishing.