The 3D Rotorua Multisport Festival is an annual event held over the Kings Birthday long weekend in June. The next event will take place on Sunday 1st June 2025.
This festival of events attracts participants from across New Zealand to enjoy some of the best paddling lakes, running and mountain biking trails the country has to offer. All courses are designed for complete beginners to weekend warriors and elite athletes to challenge themselves as little or as much as they wish amongst the beautiful surroundings – as well as having a lot of fun. Something for all the family!
With the event Hub at the Blue Lake Reserve, it’s very easy for those taking part to be self sufficient in transition and at the same time lots of fun for all support crew and spectators whilst cheering on and watching the events unfold… Fun times!
This festival also doubles up as the New Zealand Secondary Schools Multisport Championships…
PLEASE SELECT AN OPTION BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS
EVENT DETAILS
Please refer to the tables below for all Event Schedules, Race Timings, Entry Fees and Branded Merchandise
| Details | Date | Times | Location | |
| Online Entries Open | 7th December 2023 | 12:00pm *Midday | Online | |
| Online Entries Close | 29th May 2024 | 8:00pm | Online | |
| Event Merchandise Ordered | 5th May 2024 | 12:00am *Midnight | Online | |
| Event Registration / Expo & Last Minute Registrations | Saturday 1st June 2024 | 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel | |
| Event Day Late Race Pack Collection | Sunday 2nd June 2024 | 8:00am - 10:00am | Blue Lake Reserve Tarawera Road Rotorua | |
| Event Day Races | Sunday 2nd June 2024 | 9:30am onwards | Blue Lake Reserve Tarawera Road Rotorua | |
| Awards Ceremony | Sunday 2nd June 2023 | 6:00pm onwards *If weather is nice enough the awards ceremony will take place at the Lake at approx 1:30pm | Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel |
3D Rotorua Multisport Festival - Event Day Timetable
| Start Times | Events | Briefing Times | Start & Finish Lines |
| 9:30am | 50km Multisport Race Individuals | 9:15am | On the Water Lake Tikitapu |
| 9:35am | 50km Multisport Race Teams | 9:15am | On the Water Lake Tikitapu |
| 9:40am | 30km Multisport Race Individuals & Teams | 9:15am | On the Water Lake Tikitapu |
| 10:00am | Duathlon Individuals & Teams | 9:50am | On the Beach Blue Lake Reserve |
| 10:00am | 30km MTB | 9:50am | On the Beach Blue Lake Reserve |
| 10:30am | 21 km Half Marathon Run & Walk | 10:15am | On the Beach Blue Lake Reserve |
| 10:30am | 10.5km Trail Run/Walk | 10:15am | On the Beach Blue Lake Reserve |
| 10:30am | 5.5km Trail Run/Walk | 10:15am | On the Beach Blue Lake Reserve |
| 10:35am | 2km Trail Run/Walk | 10:30am | On the Beach Blue Lake Reserve |
3D Rotorua Multisport Festival - Event Entry Fees
| Events | Age Categories | Entry Fees | Reward |
| 50km Multisport Race Individual | Adult +19yrs | $135 | Finishers Medal |
| 50km Multisport Race Teams | Adult +19yrs Male, Female & Mixed | $145 | Finishers Medal |
| 30km Multisport Race Individual | Adult +19yrs Under 19yrs | $85 $70 | Finishers Medal |
| 30km Multisport Race Teams | Adult +19yrs Under 19yrs Parent/Offspring Pairs | $110 $100 $110 | Finishers Medal |
| 20km Multisport Race individual | Adult +19yrs Under 19yrs | $65 $50 | Finishers Medal |
| 20km Multisport Race Teams | Adult +19yrs Under 19yrs | $85 $70 | Finishers Medal |
| 40km Duathlon Individual | Adult +19yrs Under 19yrs | $90 $80 | Finishers Medal |
| 40km Duathlon Teams | Male, Female & Mixed | $100 | Finishers Medal |
| 30km MTB | Adult +16yrs Child 10-15yrs | $65 $45 | Finishers Medal |
| 21km Half Marathon Trail Run/Walk | Adult +16yrs | $65 | Finishers Medal |
| 10.5km Trail Run/Walk | Adult +16yrs Child 10-15yrs | $45 $30 | Finishers Medal |
| 5.5km Trail Run/Walk | Adult +16yrs Child 10-15yrs | $30 $25 | Finishers Medal |
| 2km Kids Fun Run | Under 10yrs | $15 | Finishers Medal |
3D Rotorua Multisport Festival - Event Branded Merchandise
| Branded Merchandise | Price | ||
| Long Sleeve T-Shirt | $39.95 | ||
| Short Sleeve T-Shirt | $34.95 | ||
| Cap | $24.95 | ||
| Buff Headwear | $24.95 |
EVENT REFUND POLICY
If in the unfortunate circumstances a participant must withdraw from the event due to illness or injury *NO REFUNDS will be allocated – only race entry transfers to the following year’s event or race entry transfer to another participant will be permitted.
Should you need to withdraw and / or transfer your race entry – please notify the Race Director as soon as possible.
If the event has to be cancelled as a result of severe weather conditions including heavy rain, hail, snow, wind or severe heat or reasons beyond control *NO REFUNDS will be allocated – however registered participants will be eligible to register for the following years event benefiting from a 20% discount off registration fee.
PLEASE NOTE: In the unfortunate circumstances June’s event has to be cancelled due to Covid-19 all pre-registered participants entries will be automatically transferred to a re-scheduled event later in the year or to the following years event. Under special circumstances race registrations may be transferred to another Active QT event.
INFO CENTRE
For all those ‘need & want’ to know things about the event
Pre Registered Participants 2024
Pre Registered Participants Information will be listed HERE and updated every couple of days in the last week leading up to the event.
New Zealand Secondary Schools Multisport Championships
This event also doubles up as the New Zealand Secondary Schools Multisport Championships… For more information about the New Zealand Secondary Schools Sports Council and calendar of events please click HERE
For students participating in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Multisport Championships *Please note a Principals’ Attestation Form needs to be competed in advance of the event.
Awards Ceremony / Prizes
We understand that within any event there are those who are competitive and those who are not. We therefore endeavour to fairly acknowledge participation and recognise achievement (within age group and category).
*You must be present at the awards ceremony to obtain category and spot prizes.
Acknowledgement of Participation
Each entrant will receive a race pack at registration and go in the draw for a share of a handsome quantity of quality spot prizes – courteous of 3D Rotorua’s wonderfully supportive family of sponsors.
The ESTIMATED TOTAL value of product to be given away = $30,000.00
Results
Provisional Results will be available throughout the day of the event and on display at the awards ceremony post event. Once provisional results have been updated – they will be posted online
Event Safety, Race Rules & Fair Play
All things necessary for you to have a safe and enjoyable day at the lake – Click HERE
FAQ
For all those frequently asked questions and need to know – Click HERE
GARMIN 50KM PREMIER MULTISPORT RACE (Individual & Teams)
GARMIN 50KM (Individual) & GARMIN 50KM (Teams) MULTISPORT RACE
Three dares, three disciplines, three dimensions to Rotorua!
Take on the challenge as an Individual or any two or three people can form a Multisport Team and share the three stages in a teams race.
Stages
9 km Paddle, 30 km MTB and 10.5 km Run.
Start Time and Location
Individuals: 9:30am on the water between the starting Buoys, Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Teams: 9:35am on the water between the starting Buoys, Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Categories
Individual: Adult 19-39yrs, Veteran 40-49yrs, Masters 50-59yrs, Classics 60 plus
Teams: Male, Female and Mixed Teams of Two or Three
The Course
Click HERE to view Course Maps & Profiles
We have not compromised anything to bring you an unbelievable event that showcases what Rotorua has to offer in the way of off-road recreation opportunity.
Beginning on the water with a short achievable flat-water paddle, paddle your preferred craft around one of the Rotorua region’s most beautiful fresh water lakes—Lake Tikitapu (the Blue Lake). Pushing off from a sandy beach competitors will complete two 4.5km laps close to the shore around Lake Tikitapu, flanked on their journey by native bush, beautiful beaches and Whakarewarea forest.
Leaving the water, participants will transition to the MTB and ride up the hill straight into Whakarewarewa Forest—home to some of the world’s best MTB tracks. Spoilt for choice, riders will enjoy 30 km of the most favoured purpose built tracks including some incredible sweeping downhill runs. For the more adventurous there are plenty of opportunities to get great air.
After an adventure in the Whakarewarewa Forest and returning to Lake Tikitapu and the MTB – RUN transition there’s an awesome 10.5km trail run to look forward to *(in 2022 the run section will be 2 laps of the 5.5km course. Stunning says it all. Heading clockwise around Lake Tikitapu, this course takes in the best soft trails one could possibly imagine. Participants will run through native bush, ferns, stands of Eucalyptus and Douglas Fir on a truly amazing course that has some fantastic single track and forest trails and opportunities for spectator viewing. At the end of the run, individuals on the beautiful beach at the head of the lake. There there will be a gala atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Transition Area Location
ALL Paddle, MTB and Run Transitions take place at The Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Start & Finish Line location
All events start and finish at The Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Compulsory Equipment
Paddle stage Lifejacket / buoyancy vest or PFD.
Spray skirt/deck – applies to craft with cockpit rims only.
Airbags – applies to K1 and multisport craft only.
MTB stage, Safety approved cycle helmet.
Note
It is the participants personal responsibility to choose suitable equipment (maintained to a safe standard) & footwear. Please dress according to the activity and conditions, and carry necessary fluid and sustenance to see you comfortably through the event.
Support Crew
Support crew and Team mates may assist participants in transition areas only. To keep transition areas free of congestion, support crew and team mates must stand behind the tape and wait for their competitor to arrive before entering transition.
Didymo (& all aquatic weed) cleaning of craft
ActiveQT works closely with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to help protect New Zealand’s lakes and waterways. Lake Tikitapu is free of Didymo and some other aquatic weeds and pests, help us keep it this way. All paddle craft are required to be cleaned at the cleaning facility provided at the Blue Lake Reserve. Thanks for your support.
Event Safety, Race Rules & Fair Play
Please click HERE for all info
STAR KAYAKS 30KM Multisport Challenge (Individual & Teams) incorporating New Zealand Secondary Schools Multisport Championships
30KM (Individual) STAR KAYAKS 30KM (Teams) MULTISPORT CHALLENGE
Three dares, three disciplines, three dimensions to Rotorua!
Take on the challenge as an Individual or any two or three people can form a Multisport Team and share the three stages in a teams race.
New Zealand Secondary Schools Multisport Championships
This event also doubles up as the New Zealand Secondary Schools Multisport Championships… For more information about the School Sport New Zealand and calendar of events please click HERE
*Please note – all students participating in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Multisport Festival must have their schools principal complete and submit a Principals’ Attestation Form in advance of the event.
Stages
4.5 km Paddle, 21 km MTB, and 5.5 km Run.
Start Time & Location
9:40am Individuals & Teams – on the water between the starting Buoys, off Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Categories
Students – Individuals & Teams
Junior students – Under 14 years on race date. Note: Minimum age is 10 years old
Intermediate students – Under 16 years on race date
Senior students – Under 19 years
Adults – Individuals & Teams
Individual: Adult 19-39 yrs, Veteran 40-49 yrs, Masters 50-59 yrs , Classics 60 plus
Teams: Male, Female and Mixed Teams of Two or Three
Parent and Offspring pairs – (Off-spring must be under 15 years old and there is no minimum age).
The Course
Click HERE to view Course Maps & Profiles
Designed for young ones, newcomers, stand-up paddle-boarders (SUP) and family participation.
Students, novice adults, SUP paddlers, along with parent & offspring pairs have the opportunity to take on most of the premier multisport race distance, with students vying for 2021 New Zealand Secondary School Multisport Champion crowns and age group medals.
Without compromise, this event showcases what Rotorua has to offer in the way of off-road recreation opportunity.
Beginning on the water with a safe achievable 4.5 km flat-water paddle, participants will push off from a sandy beach and complete one lap close to shore around on one of the Rotorua region’s most beautiful fresh water lakes—Lake Tikitapu (the Blue Lake). With exception of SUP paddler entrants, all students, novice adults, parent and off-spring pairs entrants can paddle any craft of their choice. All individuals must paddle single craft but parent and offspring pairs may use double craft.
Leaving the water, participants will transition to the MTB and ride up the hill straight into Whakarewarewa Forest—home to some of the world’s best MTB tracks. Spoilt for choice, riders will enjoy 21km of the most favoured purpose built tracks including some incredible sweeping downhill runs. For the more adventurous there are plenty of opportunities to get great air.
After an adventure in the Whakarewarewa Forest and returning to Lake Tikitapu and the MTB – RUN transition there’s an awesome 5.5km trail run loop to look forward to. Stunning says it all. Heading clockwise around Lake Tikitapu, this course takes in the best soft trails one could possibly imagine. Competitors will run through native bush, ferns, stands of Eucalyptus and Douglas Fir on a truly amazing course that has some fantastic single track and forest trails and opportunities for spectator viewing. The run finishes on the beautiful beach at the head of the lake. Here there will be a gala atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Transitions
ALL Paddle, MTB and Run transitions take place at Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Start & Finish Line Location
ALL events start and finish at Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Compulsory Equipment
Paddle stage Lifejacket / buoyancy vest or PFD.
Spray skirt/deck – applies to craft with cockpit rims only.
Airbags – applies to K1 and multisport craft only.
MTB stage Safety approved cycle helmet.
Note
It is the participants personal responsibility to choose suitable equipment (maintained to a safe standard) & footwear. Please dress according to the activity and conditions, and carry necessary fluid and sustenance to see you comfortably through the event.
Support Crew
Support Crew and Team mates may assist individuals or team mates in transition areas only. To keep transition areas free of congestion, support crew and team mates must stand behind the tape and wait for their competitor to arrive before entering transition.
Didymo (& all aquatic weed) cleaning of craft
ActiveQT works closely with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to help protect New Zealand’s lakes and waterways. Lake Tikitapu is free of Didymo and some other aquatic weeds and pests, help us keep it this way. All paddle craft are required to be cleaned at the cleaning facility provided at the Blue Lake Reserve. Thanks for your support.
Event Safety, Race Rules & Fair Play Info
Please click HERE for all info
YAKIMA 40KM Duathlon (Individual & Teams)
Welcome to the Yakima Duathlon
Stages
A 30 km MTB & 10.5 km Run. Challenge yourself as an individual or in a team.
Start Time & Location
10:00am – head of the lake – Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Categories
Individual: Youth Under 19yrs, 19-39yrs, Veteran 40-49yrs, Masters 50-59yrs, Classics 60 plus
Teams: Male, Female & Mixed Teams
The Course
Click HERE to view Course Maps & Profiles
Starting on the shores of Lake Tikitapu, individual and team participants will head up the hill and straight into Whakarewarewa Forest—home to some of the world’s best MTB tracks. Spoilt for selection, riders will pick off 3O km of the most favoured purpose built tracks including some incredible sweeping downhill runs. For the more adventurous there are plenty of opportunities to get great air.
Exiting the forest and returning to the Blue Lake Reserve – team riders will hand over duties to their team runner or individuals transition before setting off on a stunning 10.5km trail run. Heading clockwise around Lake Tikitapu, this course takes in the best soft trails one could possibly imagine. Competitors will run through native bush, ferns, stands of Eucalyptus and Douglas Fir on a truly amazing course that has some fantastic single track and forest trails and great opportunities for spectator viewing. The run finishes on the beautiful beach at the head of the lake. There there will be a gala atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Transitions
ALL MTB and Run Transitions at Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Start & Finish Line Location
ALL events start and finish at the Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Compulsory Equipment
MTB stage: Safety approved cycle helmet.
Note
It is the competitor’s personal responsibility to choose suitable equipment (maintained to a safe standard) & footwear. Please dress according to the activity and conditions, and carry necessary fluid and sustenance to see you comfortably through the event.
Event Safety, Race Rules & Fair Play Info
Please click HERE for all info
30KM Mountain Bike
Welcome to the 30KM Mountain Bike Event
30 km in MTB heaven!
Start time & Place
10:00am – head of the lake – Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Categories
Individual: Youth Under 16 years, Adult 16-39yrs, Veteran 40-49yrs, Masters 50-59yrs, Classics 60 plus
The Course
Click HERE to view Course Maps & Profiles
Starting on the shores of Lake Tikitapu, individual competitors will MTB along the road under lead vehicle pace control before heading up the hill straight into Whakarewarewa Forest—home to some of the world’s best MTB tracks. Spoilt for selection, riders will pick off 30 km of the most favoured purpose built tracks including some incredible sweeping downhill runs. For the more adventurous there are plenty of opportunities to get great air.
Exiting the forest and returning to the Blue Lake Reserve the ride finishes on the beautiful beach at the head of the lake. Here there will be a gala atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Finish Line Location
The MTB finishes at the head of the lake – Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Compulsory Equipment
Safety approved cycle helmet.
Note
It is the participants personal responsibility to choose suitable equipment (maintained to a safe standard) & footwear. Please dress according to the activity and conditions, and carry necessary fluid and sustenance to see you comfortably through the event.
Event Safety, Race Rules & Fair Play Info
Please click HERE for all info
BUFF Half Marathon Run & Walk
Welcome to the BUFF Half Marathon Run & Walk
The Course
Click HERE to view Course Maps & Profiles
Half Marathon Course
Starting and finishing on the beautiful shores of Lake Tikitapu, this amazing ONE LAP Course takes in the best soft trails one could possibly imagine. Participants will run or walk amongst native bush, ferns, stands of Eucalyptus, Radiata Pine and Douglas Fir whilst enjoying stunning lake views.
*Blue Lake Reserve – along trail to Blue Lake Lookout – Blue Lake Walking Track – Tikitapu Road – Jeffs Link – Green Lake Picnic Area – Lake Front Road – Mossy Trail – Baja Trail – Green Lake Picnic Area – Branch Road – Tikitapu Road – Blue Lake Walking Trail – Blue Lake Reserve
Categories
Adult 16-39yrs, Veteran 40-49yrs, Masters 50-59yrs, Classics 60 plus.
Start Time & Place
Runners and Walkers – 10:30am
On the shores of the lake – Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Finish Line Location
On the shores of the lake – Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Note
It is the participants personal responsibility to choose suitable footwear. Please dress according to the activity and conditions, and carry necessary fluid and sustenance to see you comfortably through the event. Self support aid tables will be located alongside the start to place personal supplies on for those completing their second lap in the half marathon.
Event Safety, Race Rules & Fair Play Info
Please click HERE for all info
TAILWIND NUTRITION 10.5KM Run & Walk
Welcome to the Tailwind Nutrition 10.5km Run & Walk
The Course
Click HERE to view Course Maps & Profiles
Starting and finishing on the beautiful shores of Lake Tikitapu, this amazing TWO LAP Course takes in the best soft trails one could possibly imagine. Participants will run or walk amongst native bush, ferns, stands of Eucalyptus, Radiata Pine and Douglas Fir whilst enjoying stunning lake views.
10.5km Trail Running Course *in 2022 this will be a two lap course whilst sections of the forest are closed.
Blue Lake Reserve – along trail to Blue Lake Lookout – Blue Lake Walking Track – Blue Lake Reserve
Categories
Youth 10-15yrs, Adult 16-39yrs, Veteran 40-49yrs, Masters 50-59yrs, Classics 60 plus.
Start Time & Location
Runners and Walkers – 10:30am
On the shores of Lake Tikitapu – Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Finish Line Location
On the shores of the lake – Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Note
It is the participants personal responsibility to choose suitable footwear. Please dress according to the activity and conditions, and carry necessary fluid and sustenance to see you comfortably through the event.
Event Safety, Race Rules & Fair Play Info
Please click HERE for all info
INTERISLANDER 5.5KM Run & Walk
A short and fun jaunt around the beautiful Lake Tikitapu and Whakarewarewa Forest
Welcome to the Interislander 5.5km Run & Walk
The Course
Click HERE to view Course Maps & Profiles
Starting and finishing on the beautiful shores of Lake Tikitapu, this amazing one lap course around the lake takes in the best soft trails one could possibly imagine. Participants will run or walk amongst native bush, ferns, stands of Eucalyptus, Radiata Pine and Douglas Fir whilst enjoying stunning lake views.
5.5km Trail Run Course
Blue Lake Reserve – along trail to Blue Lake Lookout – Blue Lake Walking Track – Blue Lake Reserve
Categories
Under 10s, Youth 10-15yrs, Adult 16-39yrs, Veteran 40-49yrs, Masters 50-59yrs, Classics 60 plus.
Start Time & Location
Runners and Walkers – 10:30 am
On the shores of Lake Tikitapu – Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Finish Line Location
On the shores of Lake Tikitapu – Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Note
It is the participants personal responsibility to choose suitable footwear. Please dress according to the activity and conditions, and carry necessary fluid and sustenance to see you comfortably through the event.
Event Safety, Race Rules & Fair Play Info
Please click HERE for all info
NATURE VALLEY 2KM Under 10’s Fun Run
Welcome to the Nature Valley 2km Kids Fun Run
Kids just wanna have fun!
How cool is this?! Starting and finishing on the beautiful shores of Lake Tikitapu, this awesome out and back course takes in the best soft trails one could possibly imagine. The kids will run or walk amongst native bush, ferns, stands of Eucalyptus, Radiata Pine and Douglas Fir whilst enjoying stunning lake views and welcomed across the finish line by enthusiastically cheering parents and guardians!!!
The Course
Please click HERE to view Course Maps and Profiles
Categories
Under 10yrs (age on race day)
Start Time & Location
Runners and Walkers – 10:35am
On the shores of Lake Tikitapu – Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Finish Line Location
On the shores of Lake Tikitapu – Blue Lake Reserve, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua.
Note
It is the participants *Parents responsibility to choose suitable footwear for their child. Please dress them according to the activity and conditions, and ensure they have had a good breakfast to see them comfortably through the event. Parents may accompany their child on the run for moral support if they wish.
Event Safety, Race Rules & Fair Play Info
Please click HERE for all info