It’s that time of year when the silly season is here! Wanaka is the ultimate spot to be over summer – the lake and weather are perfect for water sports, there are heaps of events happening and the bike trails are onnnnn. Keep reading to find out what’s happening at Bike Glendhu and in Wanaka over the summer months, as well as our operational hours out here at the bike park.
Summer Hours
Our operational hours here at Bike Glendhu extend with the daylight hours during the summer, so you can get more laps in after work, make the most of the cooler hours and see that legendary sunset. Here’s a breakdown of our hours: we have three late nights per week (8pm closes on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) allll summer. We’ll be opening the bike park at 9am until December 24 and close at 6pm from Saturday-Tuesday. From Boxing Day (December 26) until January 28, we’ll be bringing our open time forward by an hour, opening the doors from 8am instead.
We’re closed on Christmas day and the bike park will close at 3pm on Christmas Eve (December 24) and New Years’ Eve (December 31).
Christmas Holidays
The Australian school holidays kick off on December 9 and December 20 for kiwis. It’s a busy time of year, so if you’re keen to book a Can-Am, rental bike or bike service from our Workshop, book ‘em in sooner to secure your spot! Remember, we close early on Christmas Eve and New Years’ Eve (3pm) and are closed on Christmas Day. We’re open every other day with our regular hours!
Events Around Wanaka
Now the good stuff – it’s events season baby! There is plenty going on to keep both yourself and the family occupied and having a good time all summer long. Check out the list of our favourite events below.
Wanaka Craft Beer and Food Festival: December 2, 2023
The Wanaka Beerfest is always a treat. Kicking off at 12pm (noon) on December 2, this event runs until 6:30pm at the Wanaka A&P showgrounds. There will be a bunch of vendors here for all of your food and bevvy needs. No worries if beer isn’t your thing – from brewery vendors to cocktails, coffee, wine and kombucha. Our personal favourites have to be b.effect brewing for all things beverage and Fox and Badger for an unreal selection of food.
Women’s Ride Wednesday: Every Wednesday
Yeah the girls! Every Wednesday, we have Women’s Ride Wednesday happening from 5:30pm until 8pm. Passes are just $10 for ladies who join us and are kindly supported by the legends at Mons Royale and Racers Edge. Women’s Ride Wednesdays will run from November 22 until March 6, with a break during the holidays between December 20 and January 3.
Gather Christmas Market: December 9, 2023
Support some small and local businesses with the Gather Christmas Market. You’ll find 50 vendors, including Christmas presents, food, coffee and live music. Entry is $10.
Strava Race Series Round 3: December 9-10, 2023
Round 3 of Strava Race Series is here! Supported by JRA Bicycle Co and b.effect brewing, this is the last round in the series to get your hands on some awesome POC prizes. We’ll reveal the race track on the Friday before the weekend of racing and participants will have the weekend to smash the fastest Strava time on the selected track! Like always, the end of the weekend racing, pile into b.social taproom & eatery for the post-race Sunday Session with après and awards at 7pm.
Women’s Ride Wednesday + Mons Royale Ride Out: December 13, 2023
Like the other Women’s Ride Wednesdays, but a little bit more special. This one will be a Mons Royale Ride Out so there will be a few more things happening this night. We’ll have Mons Royale ambassadors leading the ride, a $400 Mons kit giveaway, beer and drink specials, and maybe even a lucky dip DJ! Keep up to date on our social channels and we’ll reveal more closer to the time.
Challenge Wanaka Public Run #2: December 16, 2023
The Integrity Homes Challenge Wanaka is happening on February 18, 2023 and uses Bike Glendhu tracks for the run leg of their events, as well as the MTB leg in the inaugural EarShots Cross Tri. Come on out to Bike Glendhu at 7am on Saturday, December 16 to run the Challenge Wanaka course (Kakariki Loop) at Bike Glendhu. This public run is open to anyone who wants to try running the beautiful trail at Bike Glendhu. Please note that runners to need be off the trails by 9am as mountain bikers will begin arriving at the park. If you plan to do more than one lap, please ensure you are ready to go at 7am.
Rhythm & Alps: December 29, 2023
Rhythm & Alps happens annually in Cardrona Valley over the new years’ period. Running from December 29-31, this festival brings in a tonne of people with big stoke into town. This year, there’s an epic lineup including Benee, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Bicep, Synthony, Ocean Alley, Channel Tres and heaps more. There will be camping, food and drink out there, but you’ll find the best feeds either in town or at Velo café and beer garden.
Wanaka Rodeo: January 2, 2024
The Wanaka Rodeo is a family favourite. It’s been running since 1963 and is held annually just after New Year’s. The purpose-built grounds in Albert Town cater for crowds of up to 6,000 spectators and has heaps of food stalls, as well as prizes for competitors. There’s a bunch of classic rodeo events like barrel racing, bull riding and bucking broncs.
Monty Bevins at Bike Glendhu: January 3, 2023
Last year, this event was a crowd favourite! Monty Bevins is a New Zealand-based soul-folk style singer-songwriter. We’re lucky to have Monty back here on January 3 at Base 334 to perform. We’ll have more details to come in the coming weeks!
WORD holiday camp begins: January 8, 2024
The WORD Holiday Camp is the perfect way to fill some of the school holidays with shredding for the little (or not so little) ones. Holiday camps are available for kids aged 7-17 years old and will have an instructor to help them progress on the mountain bike trails. They’ll be split into ability and age groups so they get the most out of the holiday camp.
Women’s Retreat: January 19-21, 2024
Bike Glendhu Women’s Retreat is a transformative women-only weekend that aims to provide a rejuvenating escape from daily routines and empower women through mountain bike coaching, mindful practices, and luxury experiences. We’ve partnered up with Cross Hill Lodge & Domes to create a unique opportunity to find inspiration and foster personal growth in a supportive and nurturing environment. This is one not to miss!
The events in Wanaka over the summer months provides heaps of variation to get your fix of dancing, eating, family time and even shopping. It’s a wicked place to spend the silly season! Don’t forget that this is a busy time of year at Bike Glendhu, so make sure that you book in quick for Can-Ams, Rentals and grab your multiday pass online to save.