Organisers have revealed the course for the 2026 World Triathlon Cup Tauranga on November 22, with the route designed to showcase Mount Maunganui to a global audience as part of a three-year programme culminating in the 2028 World Triathlon Championships.

Described as a fast, flat and technical course, the layout promises strong viewing opportunities for athletes and spectators as the region prepares to host a major international sporting event.

Part of the course passes through the area affected by January’s landslide tragedy, a World Triathlon Cup Tauranga statement said.

Organisers acknowledged the six lives lost and the ongoing impact on families, friends and the wider community.

Out of respect for those affected, and to support the continued sensitivity of the area, spectator access and filming will be restricted along the Adams Ave section of the course.

Event director Shanelle Barrett said organisers had worked closely with Tauranga City Council, iwi and businesses to create a course that balanced showcasing the region with sensitivity to recent events.

“With the collaboration of council, local community and iwi, we believe we have landed on a superb course in a stunning location, one that will showcase the best that the Bay of Plenty has to offer, while remaining sensitive to the events of last summer and the ongoing recovery for those affected, and the continuing work to stabilise Mauao.”

Waikorire Pilot Bay will be the hub of the event, hosting the swim start, transition area and finish line.

Barrett said the location’s strong triathlon heritage made it a natural fit and highlighted a partnership with Triathlon Tauranga, organisers of the Marra Construction Tinman Triathlon.

A full map site of the planned event for later this month.

The two events will be combined on the same day, with age-group athletes racing in the morning on sections of the World Cup course before elite competitors race in the afternoon.

“This brings the best of both worlds together with the age groupers racing in the morning on parts of the World Cup course that some of the best in the world will race on in the afternoon,” Barrett said.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the World Triathlon Cup marked the beginning of three years of world-class competition in the city while recognising the need to host the event with care after January’s tragedy.

“As we prepare to welcome athletes and visitors from around the world, we’re very conscious of the tragedy of 22 January, the six lives lost, and the lasting impact on families, friends and our wider community. It’s important this event is delivered with care and respect for those affected.”

Drysdale said the event was the result of collaboration between Tauranga City Council, Triathlon New Zealand, Tourism Bay of Plenty, the Mount Business Association and other local stakeholders.

Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale.

He said the event would bring energy to the city while providing a welcome boost for Mount Maunganui businesses, including cafes, restaurants, retailers and accommodation providers.

Athletes will tackle a 750m swim from Waikorire Pilot Bay before transitioning to a 20km bike course comprising four laps around Hopukiore (Mount Drury) Reserve. The race will conclude with a 5km run course made up of two laps returning to the finish at Waikorire Pilot Bay.

The Mall, Adams Ave and Marine Parade will feature prominently in both the bike and run sections, with competitors looping out from the transition area and finish line near Salisbury Ave.

Spectators are encouraged to gather along The Mall and Marine Parade, particularly around the transition zone and finish line. A big screen and grandstands will be installed near the finish area, while race fans will be able to move around much of the course for close-up views of the action.

The race will be broadcast in New Zealand on TVNZ+ and internationally through World Triathlon channels.

The three-year agreement will see Tauranga host a World Triathlon Cup in 2026, a World Triathlon Championship Series race in 2027 and the World Triathlon Championship Series Grand Final, Age Group World Championship and Paratriathlon World Championships in 2028.

Course details for the 2027 and 2028 events are yet to be confirmed.