Spectating the Whaka 100 is a fantastic day out, and an incredible way to experience the best of mountain biking:

• Cheer on your riders and encourage complete strangers
• Explore expo & the Whaka 100 merch store
• Ride and walk the forest to key supporter points.

This guide is for watching the main events in the Whakarewarewa forest, based on the Shimano 100km event map. Download the event app for each course map, featuring spectator points and find and favourite your riders.

Supporting but with rewards? Check out Volunteering - with shifts from a few hours assisting from everything from course-side to awarding medals.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

For your fun:

• Make as much noise as you can for all riders, not just those you know. Shout names on name plates, bring instruments, speakers, music, and noise makers!
• Some of the suggested points are only accessible by a long walk or ride - plan your route and timing with those you hope to see. Take what you need, including water, food and layers.
• You can access the forest via Waipa MTB Car Park, Tītokorangi Drive, or Te Putake o Tawa. See note about Eight Mile Road on right.
• Tag us in your social posts @whaka100 @whaka100_official #whaka100!

For your safety: 

• Always watch out for other forest users, including runners, walkers, cyclists and horses.
• Do not walk along the MTB course, and be aware there may be lines other forest users will use outside of the course markings
• Please do not obstruct riders
• Eight Mile Road (beyond Planet Bike) is prohibited for public vehicles and cycling.
• Follow instructions from Whaka 100 crew and volunteers.
• Cross the course as direct as possible, where there is clear view up the trail and no riders are approaching.

WHERE TO WATCH THE EVENTS

See your rider's course map via their event page, and work out the best places to see them by walking, riding or driving. We've listed a few of our favourite spots below.

Creek Crossing (Map)
Miler, 100km, 50km, 25km
The infamous creek crossing at the end of Rosebank! Watch riders come down the small hill and choose either to jump, ride through or walk the stream - their final challenge before crossing the finish line.

Radio Hut Hill crossing (Map)
Miler, 100km, 50km 
See riders twice as they head into and exit Arepa loop. 

Katore Road Crossing (Map)
Miler, 100km
Cheer riders as they exit the tight native forest downhill of Gunna Gotta, and into Paddy’s run.

Forest Loop Crossings (Map)
Miler, 100km, 50km 
Ride your bikes on Whakrewarea’s newest Forest Loop to the Box of Birds bridge crossing, and further along, to the technical As You Do climb back up. Note that the Forest Loop is one way, so you’ll need to ride out towards Tarawerea Road.

Red Tank Summit (Map)
Miler, 100km, 50km 
A great spot to see riders at multiple points in their event, situated at the exits of The Tickler and Hot X Buns, and entrances to Be Rude Not too. Close to additional passings as riders loop back up to take Dragon’s Trail.

Te Putake o Tawa Aid Station (Map)
Miler, 100km, 50km 
Easily accessible from the Te Putake o Tawa car park, this feed and water station sees riders top up their hydration before the climb back up Hill Road. There are also additional facilities at this car park, including refreshments, bike hire and toilets. ​

Frontal Lobotomy entrance (Map)
Miler, 100km, 50km ​
Rider’s will need your encouragement here! Another switchback climb up turning into a steep forest road climb before the rooty and native Tihi o Tawa. 

Top of Frontal Lobotomy / MTB Rotorua Shuttle Drop Off (Map)
Miler, 100km, 50km 
You can ride, walk or shuttle to the top of the hill to see riders come out of the Frontal Lobotomy climb. They’ll need your encouragement as they continue to climb before dropping down the next descent. 
​
Time Warp trail head (Map)
Miler, 100km, 50km 
Almost at the end of the Mons Royale Summit Challenge, riders will be grimacing as they finish climbing Moerangi Road, only to continue up on Time Warp. There are great prizes for the fastest in this Challenge segment, so make sure you get them up the rest of that hill! You can also see riders entering Bush Road as they head towards King Fu Walrus. 

Hill Road Water Zone (Map)
50km Sat only
​The closest hydration zone to the Waipa venue, riders pass through here twice, and also just up the road as they enter Nice Road. Park at Planet Bike and walk in or ride along the easy Ball & Chain.

Nursery Road Crossings
Miler, 100km, 50km, 25km
A great place to see riders multiple times, depending on distance. See riders cross Nursery Road from Creek into Piglet, then catch them again exiting Grinder. 

Mokopuna Connector (Map)
An easy point to access by car and a short walk in. Park on Tarawera road and walk into the track riders as they exit Box of Birds and head into the technical climb of As You Do.