The Karioi Classic is one of Aotearoa’s original gravel events — a loop around the sleeping volcano Karioi, just outside Raglan. It’s part gravel race, part adventure ride, and part mental reset.
You’ll hit shady native bush, exposed ridgelines, fast gravel descents, and relentless rollers. No flat sections. None.
Two distances:
The Long One – 85km / 2400m elevation. Full send.
The Short One – 58km / 1500m elevation. Still hurts, just quicker.
Some riders come to chase a time. Others come to see if they can survive it. Everyone leaves buzzing.
Here’s what makes it special:
This is the full loop around the maunga. It’s steep, scenic and absolutely not for the unprepared.
Key features:
Bridal Veil Falls climb – long and beautiful
Ruapuke downhill – sweeping views over the Tasman
Long stretches of undulating gravel through isolated bush and farmland
Surface mix: ~70% gravel, 30% sealed — but even the tarmac is tough
Effort level: You’re earning every metre
Shorter, but still a proper gravel challenge. Great if you’ve got the legs but not the hours.
Same vibe, fewer climbs
Fast and scenic — still includes the big downhill and a taste of the real remote stuff
Perfect for first-timers or anyone not quite ready for 2400m of vert
goaThis is not a fondo. It’s a loop through landscapes that punch above their weight, with weather that can change three times in an hour.
You’ll ride through:
Dense bush that hums with birdsong
Open ridgelines with wind in your face and views that stop you mid-climb
Gravel rollers that go on forever — the good kind and the demoralising kind
Remote farmland where wild goats outnumber spectators 100:1
And at the finish?
This thing is well run, but not overdone. You’ll get what you need — not a circus.
Aid stations with water, electrolytes and good vibes
On-course support if you need a lift (but nobody wants the lift van…)
Course fully marked, marshals at key points
Friendly locals, encouraging volunteers, and the odd dog barking from a quad bike
Officially timed, with prizes, trophies and local goodies — but it’s just as much about beating your mates or your past self.
Roll back into Raglan, and you’re met with cheers, high-fives, and cold Workshop Brewery sodas.
Then it’s on to the Town Hall for the aftermatch:
Kai, community, and some light banter about that one brutal climb
Spot prizes, trophies (including memorial ones for local legends), and well-earned gloating rights
There’s no perfect time to be ready — you just need to be keen.
Pick your course, pack your grit, and we’ll see you at the start line.
One of the first gravel cycling events in Aotearoa, the Karioi Classic circles the dormant volcano Karioi, offering a mix of gravel roads, native bush, spectacular seascapes and rolling farmland.
Unlike many races held on sealed tarmac, a large portion of the Karioi Classic is on gravel, giving it a gravel grind, adventure ride vibe.
Riders are treated to panoramic views of the Tasman Sea and wild west coast landscapes, something few other races can match.
The two events, dubbed the long and short, cater perfectly to different skill levels.
Navigating rugged and challenging terrain, the 85km is a test of endurance, grit, and technique for elite cyclists. While the 58km is less gruelling but still provides a thrilling ride for serious amateurs or gravel enthusiasts.
Riding the Karioi Classic is a visual feast. The course winds through some of Aotearoa’s most rugged and dramatic west coast landscapes, with iconic views, natural beauty, and varied terrain that changes around every corner.
Looping around Mount Karioi, an ancient volcanic peak known locally as ‘The Sleeping Lady’. She dominates the skyline, cloaked in dense native bush, and provides a brooding, awe-inspiring backdrop for much of the ride. Depending on the weather, you might see her shrouded in mist, glowing in the morning sun, or silhouetted against the ocean.
One of the most celebrated parts of the route is when riders crest a ridge and suddenly see the wild Tasman Sea stretching out to the horizon.
Long stretches of gravel roads wind through native bush, giving a feeling of total isolation. Birdsong, damp forest smells, and shady canopies replace the usual race noise.
Much of the ride takes you through remote farmland with sheep paddocks and classic kiwi woolshed scenery.
Length & Elevation
Expect fast descents and constant undulation. There’s no such thing as ‘flat’ around Karioi!
Iconic Features
Whether you’re an experienced gravel grinder, an elite cyclist or an active adventurer — there’s a place for you on the ride.
A must-do for experienced cyclists into gravel riding, endurance events, the 85 km Long One ticks all the boxes for a challenging ride. The 58 km Short One is a condensed version with less climbing, but still giving you a taste of the magic (and muscle burn); perfect for recreational riders.
The Karioi Classic is for anyone with a sense of adventure and a willingness to ride outside their comfort zone.
One of the things that makes the Karioi Classic feel so welcoming is the solid support and smooth organisation behind it. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just hoping to make it to the finish line, the logistics are designed to help you succeed (and enjoy the ride while you’re at it).
The finish line is a proper celebration as riders are greeted with cheers, smiles and well-earned high-fives. There’s a strong sense of shared achievement at the end of the race — whether you smashed it or crawled in, everyone gets the same warm welcome.
The event is officially timed, so you can track your result, chase a personal best, or compare with your mates. Results are posted online afterwards for bragging rights or friendly rivalry.
There’s a celebration at the Raglan Town Hall with kai and non-alcoholic brews from Workshop Brewery. Up for grabs is a cash prize, winner’s jerseys, spot prizes, trophies for category winners (like top male/female finisher and last rider). Prizes are local — think bike gear, coffee vouchers, or community-donated goodies.
Added this year are two memorial trophies to honour past volunteer Lee Knight, and rider Rory Birch. There will also be incredible spot prizes from our sponsors Shimano and Green Monkey Velo.
While you might not be in the running for a medal, you’ll get something better: community, connection, and a massive sense of achievement. The real reward is in the experience, the ride, and the community atmosphere.
The Karioi Classic is a well-run, heart-filled event that’s challenging but never intimidating, and every rider is made to feel like a legend by the time they roll across the line.
Sure can!
Book a Groundswell Property for the Karioi Classic weekend and receive 15% off!
email hello@groundswellproperty.co.nz and mention ‘Karioi Classic’ to claim the discount.
Find your holiday home with https://www.groundswellproperty.co.nz/
