The story
Challenge Wanaka in Wanaka
Challenge Wanaka is a long-distance triathlon on the shores of Lake Wanaka, part of the global Challenge Family triathlon series. Long known for full and half Ironman-distance racing, its flagship event moved to a 100 kilometre middle-distance format for 2027, alongside a separate October multisport event combining kayaking, mountain biking and running.
Lake Wanaka, ringed by the Southern Alps and known for its clear, cold water, has hosted a long-distance triathlon for long enough that it became a fixture on the international endurance sport calendar under the Challenge Family banner, the global series that also runs events across Europe, Asia and the Americas.