The Skyline Challenge Courses
Start/Finish Location:
276 Ponatahi Road, Martinborough
The event is held on farmland which is opened to the public just once a year.
It passes through two historic sheep stations Huangarua and Puruatanga (now re-named Martinborough Station).
Directions: From the church at the corner of Princess Street and Kitchener Street head north along Princess Street (towards Masterton) and 276 Ponatahi Road is located 2.76 kilometres from the church on the right-hand side. The base camp and start/finish areas can be seen from the road.
Want to try a mountain-bike or an electric mountain-bike but don’t have one?
Green Jersey offer bikes to rent for the event at reasonable prices! Click the button below to visit
Four Challenging Courses
28 km
Ride or Run
This ride extends the 20km course with an extra loop for those who want to add a bit more distance to the challenge. Perfect for experienced mountain bikers or extreme runners.
Starts at 8:30 am with an event briefing at 8:20 am.
20 km
Ride or Run
This demanding and quite hilly course is great for intermediate level riders or serious runners.
Starts at 9:00 am with an event briefing for all at 8:50 am.
8 or 10 km
Ride or Run
This family-friendly course is ideal for getting out with the kids in the countryside, or as a personal challenge for less-experienced riders. This year there’s an option to extend the core 8km course and climb up to Camp David with its refreshments and viewpoint.
Starts at 9:30 am with an event briefing at 9:20 am.
10 km
Walk
This separate 10 km walk which will take you out the back of the historic Huangarua Station and up to stunning view points.
Starts at 10:00 am with an event briefing at 9:50 am.
PLUS 3 km Beginner’s Ride
A flat beginner’s course to introduce children eight years of age and under to the world of mountain biking.
Starts at 10:30 am with an event briefing at 10:20 am.
Read more below….
28 km – The Long One – Ride or Run
Starts 8:30 am, event briefing at 8:20 am
The longest Skyline Challenge course, now has improved tracks over a greater part of the course.
Head to the north of Martinborough and be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views of the South Wairarapa, from Ocean Beach to Rangitumau, from Featherston to the Hinakura hills.
Over 75% of the course now uses farm tracks and laneways so the ground is drier and easier to cover and avoids the ‘pugged-up’ and sun-baked hard mud that can make the going very tough.
The figure-of-eight circuit means that the layout is more compact than in previous years and the extra loop offers participants the option to shorten or lengthen their run/ride.
20 km – Intermediate – Ride or Run
Starts 9:00 am, event briefing at 8:50 am
The new 20 km ride is slightly longer than the previous 19km course but is easier for both mountain bikers and runners because the tracks are much more even, drier and less steep.
The compact figure-of-eight track offers some fast downhill sections and greater scenic variation.
You will be able to see the autumn vines of the Martinborough vineyards, Te Muna Valley, Lake Wairarapa and the mountains to the west . The ride itself takes you through a range of terrain, and you will need to be reasonably fit to handle the hills.
8-10 km Ride or Run
Starts 9:30 am, event briefing at 9:20 am
The 8 km course is a loop around the lower reaches of the hills, providing challenge-enough for novice and younger riders – we really do intend to make this suitable for all of the family. Even from here you can get spectacular views of Martinborough – usually only seen by sheep, cattle and some lucky farm workers. And if riding a mountain bike isn’t your thing, we are offering a chance to run the 8km course. The track undulates and the terrain offers plenty of variety.
10 km Walk
Starts 10:00 am, event briefing at 09:50 am
The separate 10 km walk which will take you to the back of the historic Huangarua Station, dropping down through a bush walk, before climbing up to Camp David, for a refreshing cool drink, a handful of lollies to restore you blood sugar levels and wonderful views over the South Wairarapa with the vineyards in autumn bloom, before following the skyline ridge back to the start. One or two of the hills are quite steep so you should do some ‘training’ walks prior to the event.
3 km Ride or Walk
Starts 10:30 am, event briefing at 10:20 am
A flat beginner’s course to introduce children 8 years of age and under to the world of mountain biking. Flat enough to walk with the kids. Starts 10:00 am riders and walkers.
