​Welcome to the 2026 Great Forest Rogaine!   

Pre-entries for this event are now closed.  There will be a limited number of 3 Hour event on-the-day entries on Saturday.  Please turn up early to secure your spot.

All competitors planningmust read the pre event information available in the Bulletin here.
New Zealand's most popular and one of the longest standing Rogaines is back for 2026!
  • New adventure class
  • New terrain and tracks to explore
  • Same opportunities for fun, challenge, and ADVENTURE for all ages and abilities! 
Based in Whakarewarewa Forest, this is a chance for teams of 2 or more to explore some of the world's best mountain bike trails and running/hiking terrain, and visit parts of the forest you have not seen before. 

Event base is Wakarewarewa School, Sala Street - only 5 mins drive from Rotorua CBD.

EVENT & CLASS OPTIONS

Choose from one of 4 events:
  • GFR Foot 3
    • 3 hour run/walk option suitable for all abilities and ages.​​
  • GFR Bike 3
    • 3 hour mountain bike option suitable for all abilities and ages.
  • GFR Foot 6
    • 6 hour run/walk option suitable for most abilities, but with more physical and navigation challenge.
  • GFR Adventure 6
    • ​6 hour mountain bike, with option of getting some controls off track on foot. This will have an adventure race feel in terms of offering more strategy, physical, and navigation challenges.

Choose which Team Class you want to enter for your event:

Teams must be 2 to 4 people, allocated to one of the following categories:
  • Open Men - any age
  • Open Women - any age
  • Open Mixed - any age
  • Veteran Men - age 50+
  • Veteran Women - age 50+
  • Veteran Mixed - age 50+​
  • Youth - All members 14 and under 
  • Juniors - All members 18 and under  
  • Family 3 hour - All team members living at same address, kids are still at school and at least one parent/caregiver from the family in the team.  Available for 3 hour events only.
  • E-Bike 3 hour - Any sex or age combination when 1 or more people in the team rides an e-bike. Available for bike 3 hour only.

* Ages based on age on day of event.
* No individual entries permitted. 
ENTRY AND FEES
Pre-entries closed Sunday 19 July.
  • Entry includes two maps per team and pizza at the finish.
  • Entries close midnight Sunday 19th July.
  • Only a small number of extra maps will be printed for on-the-day entries, and available for 3hour events only. We encourage people to enter before entries close.

Other Fees and Charges​​
  • The hire fee for SIAC is included in your entry fee. If you need to borrow a card for the event just tick the hire box (you will not get charged)
  • Lost SIAC timing card may incur a $120 replacement fee
  • Entry amendment after entries close - $10 per amendment 
  • OBOP  donates $2 per entry to the Rotorua MTB Club First Response Unit and Rotorua Trails Trust.  Additional donations can be made to these organisations in the entry system.
  • Hire Bike map boards - available to OBOP members for free. To reserve, email [email protected] 
  • To join OBOP check out the membership form and benefits here.​

Refunds
  • For withdrawals prior to the closing date a full refund will be provided minus $10 administration fee pp
  • For withdrawals after the closing date there will be no refund
  • If the event is cancelled due to weather or other unforeseen event, a full refund minus $20 cost incurred fee will be provided pp
TIMETABLE
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COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT

All competitors and teams must carry the required compulsory gear. Be prepared for cold and wet winter conditions and dress appropriately.

COMPULSORY GEAR LIST 
All competitors and teams are required to carry:
  • Torch/headlamp with sufficient batteries (each individual)
  • Whistle (each individual)
  • ​Waterpoof jacket (each individual)
  • Hat and gloves (each individual)
  • Spare thermal top - wool or polypro (each individual)
  • Thermal long johns, tights, or leg warmers (6hr events only - each individual)
  • Race food and drink (each individual)
  • Bag to carry above (each individual) 
  • Mobile phone sealed in a waterproof bag (per team)
  • Compass (per team)
  • Space blanket/survival bag and first aid kit (6 Hour only - per team)
 
The organisers will be doing spot checks on gear, and penalties given to teams not carrying compulsory gear and equipment. 

In the event of extreme weather, for safety reasons the event may be cancelled.

​PRIZES
​There will be prizes for category winners and spot prizes.

RULES AND HEALTH & SAFETY

It is very important that participants compete safely and within the rules set out for the event. The rules ensure people can enjoy the event knowing that:
  • The competition is run fairly
  • People behave safely
  • Respect is given to other forest users
  • The terms of our agreement with the forest owners and managers are complied with, protecting future access

Full details on the rules and Health and Safety requirements will be posted here shortly - please ensure you read and understand these
​

PREVIOUS MAPS
To get an idea of the maps and control locations used from previous years, check out some of the 2025 GFR maps here:
2025 Foot Map sample
2025 MTB Map sample
​

PRE-EVENT COMPETITOR INFORMATION
More detailed information and rules will be sent out to competitors the week before the event.

If you are new to rogaining and/or have any questions or require any further information please contact [email protected] 
​​