Travel and accommodation
Planning your travel
All participants are required to arrive at Rydges Formosa Golf Resort by 4:00pm on Monday 22 February. This allows sufficient time to set up your bike, complete any final checks to ensure it is in full working order ahead of Day 1, and prepare for the Welcome Dinner that evening.
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Flights |
Arrival
We recommend booking your flights as early as possible and ensuring you are flying into and out of Auckland, New Zealand.
All participants must arrive at Rydges Formosa Gold Resort in Beachlands before 4:00pm on Monday 22 February 2027.
Please ensure you are booking your arrival flight with the transfer times in mind as this will ensure a smooth arrival.
Departure
Sunday 28 February 2027
Location: Rotorua to Auckland Airport
We have arranged a post-event coach transfer from Rotorua to Auckland Airport departing Rotorua at 9:30am on Sunday, 28 February.
It will take an approximate three hours by coach to Auckland airport so please ensure any return flights are departing from 3:30pm onwards.
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Transfers |
We have arranged several airport transfer options from Auckland Airport to Rydges Formosa Golf Resort.
Please allow sufficient time to clear immigration, baggage collection and customs before selecting your transfer. Processing times can vary, particularly during busy periods.
The journey from Auckland Airport to Beachlands takes approximately one hour, depending on traffic conditions. We recommend selecting a transfer time that departs at least one hour after your scheduled flight arrival time.
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Welcome dinner |
We are hosting the Challenge New Zealand welcome dinner at Rydges Formosa Golf Resort, Beachlands at 6:30pm on Monday 22 February 2027.
Complete your flight and transfer details
Pre-Ride: Rydges Formosa Golf Resort – Beachlands
Monday 22 February 2027
Please ensure you have arrived at the hotel no later than 4:00pm.
Your pre-ride accommodation
As part of your registration, accommodation has been arranged for all riders and road crew in Beachlands on the night before the ride begins (Monday, 22 February 2027). If you plan to arrive earlier, please arrange your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel by calling or emailing them.
Accommodation Details:
Rydges Formosa Golf Resort
Address: 110 Jack Lachlan Drive, Beachlands, Auckland
Reservations Rydges Formosa: [email protected] (Please let them know you are part of Mater Foundation group booking). We can’t guarantee that you will be able to remain in the same room but will do our best to work with Rydges to see if it is possible.
Sachin- Kumar- Front Office Manager - [email protected]
Daily Activities
- Pre-ride Safety Briefing
- Time: 5:00pm
- Location: Rydges Formosa Golf Resort
- Welcome Dinner
- Time: 6:30pm
- Location: Rydges Formosa Golf Resort
Most of the information is also currently listed on The Course Page of the website.
DAY 1 - Auckland to Coromandel
Tuesday 23 February 2027
165km | 1,716 climbing
Proposed schedule
- Breakfast: Rydges Formosa from 5:30am
- Ride commences: 7:00am
- Estimated Finish: TBC
Overview: Day one rolls out of Auckland and gradually trades urban energy for open roads, native bush, and long coastal views. Riders will experience a true sense of journey as the landscape opens up, with rolling terrain and classic Coromandel scenery setting the tone for the days ahead. Expect a mix of steady climbs, flowing descents, and that first taste of riding beside the ocean—an unforgettable transition from city streets to adventure riding.
Accommodation and dinner: Tonight we will be staying at Tasman Holiday Parks – Coromandel. Together we’ll unwind and celebrate at Pepper Tree Restaurant & Bar in Coromandel Town. Dinner starting at 6:00pm.
DAY 2 - Coromandel to Whangamata
Wednesday 24 February 2027
126km | 1,949 climbing
Proposed schedule
- Breakfast: Road Crew catered
- Ride commences: 7:00am
- Estimated Finish: TBC
Overview: This is a quintessential Coromandel ride. The road hugs the coastline, delivering spectacular ocean vistas, quiet beaches, and twisting sections that reward smooth riding. Climbs are honest but manageable, and every effort is paid back with stunning views and fast, flowing descents. Riders will feel immersed in the landscape, with plenty of moments to look up, breathe deep, and appreciate why this region is legendary among cyclists.
Accommodation and dinner: Overnight accommodation will be at Palm Pacific Resort in Whangamata. For dinner we will enjoy a buffet menu at Smokey Pallet Freehouse. Dinner starting at 6:00pm.
Day 3: Whangamatā to Tauranga
Thursday 25 February 2027
154km | 1,745m climbing
Proposed schedule
- Breakfast: Palm Pacific Resort
- Ride commences: 7:00am
- Estimated Finish: TBC
Overview: Leaving the coast behind, Day 3 weaves through rolling countryside and lush farmland. The terrain ebbs and flows, offering a rhythm that suits strong group riding. Expect quieter back roads, wide horizons, and a growing sense of accomplishment as Tauranga draws closer. This is a day where the kilometres tick by steadily and riders settle into the groove of the tour.
Accommodation and dinner: Overnight accommodation will be at Trinity Wharf Tauranga with dinner onsite at the restaurant from 6:00pm.
DAY 4: Tauranga to Rotorua
Friday 26 February 2027
141km | 1,586m climbing
Proposed schedule
- Breakfast: Trinity Wharf Restaurant
- Ride commences: 7:00am
- Estimated Finish: TBC
Overview: Today brings a shift in both scenery and challenge. Riders climb inland toward Rotorua, with longer ascents and cooler forested sections providing a change of pace. The ride feels purposeful, with elevation gained gradually and rewarded by sweeping views and a strong sense of arrival. As Rotorua approaches, the landscape becomes distinctly geothermal—steam, forests, and the unmistakable character of the region welcoming riders at the finish.
Accommodation and dinner: We will check in for the next two night at Rydges Rotorua. Tonight’s dinner will be Margarita’s & Mexican inspired starting from 6:00pm.
DAY 5: Rotorua Loop
Saturday 27 February 2027
136km | 1,634 climbing
Proposed schedule
- Breakfast: Rydges Rotorua
- Ride commences: 7:00am
- Estimated Finish: TBC
Overview: The final day is a loop that showcases Rotorua at its best. Riders will cruise through towering redwoods, alongside tranquil lakes, and on beautifully surfaced roads that invite relaxed, social riding. With no bags to pack and legs well‑tuned from the week, this ride feels celebratory—an opportunity to soak up the surroundings, reflect on the journey, and finish the tour on a high.
Accommodation and dinner: Our final nights’ accommodation will again be at Rydges Rotorua. We will celebrate the end of another wonderful Smiddy Challenge with our final night dinner together at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar. More information to come on the dinner.
Family arriving: We would love to see families and loved ones cheering you on as you finish. Watch this space for more information on how they can get involved.
POST RIDE
Sunday 28 February 2027
The day we all head home after a fantastic five days of riding.
Proposed schedule
Breakfast
- Time: Available from 6:30am-10:30am
- Location: Rydges Rotorua
- 9:30am
We have arranged for coaches to transport people, luggage & bikes to Auckland International Airport. Departure is from Rydges Rotorua at 9:30am sharp. Coaches will be available for loading luggage from 9:15am onwards. If you do not require airport transfer, please let us know. It is approximately a 3-hour drive to the airport. We anticipate arriving at the airport at 12:30pm. Please take into consideration these details when booking your return flight home.
Hotel check out
- 11:00am
