Sport

Kirsty Parsons has made history, becoming the first New Zealander with cystic fibrosis (CF) to complete an Ironman. 

This year’s Ironman field will be the biggest ever for Taupō with nearly 3000 athletes registered for the Anzco Foods Ironman New Zealand and the Ironman 70.3 New Zealand.

Connor Campbell has his sights firmly set on a place in the Commonwealth Games boxing team. Photo: Dan Hutchinson

A group of swimmers has completed a three-year mission to swim around the entire perimeter of Lake Taupō.

Kirsty Parsons will line up at Ironman New Zealand in Taupō on Saturday 7 March 2026, aiming to become the first New Zealand woman with cystic fibrosis (CF) to complete the iconic endurance event.

The Kinloch Triathlon – the oldest tri’ event in NZ - celebrates another year this weekend with events scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at Kinloch.

Two dancers have tasted success in one of Australia’s largest dance competitions – the Follow Your Dreams Nationals 2025.

A virtual golf facility at Taupō Golf Club opens to the public this weekend offering enthusiasts all weather practice facilities and the opportunity to play 450 of the world’s top golf courses without the expense of an air ticket.

Some of the motor racing personalities in town for the Giltrap Group Historic GP took the chance to do some of the other adventure activities on offer in the town.

One of New Zealand’s most famous race cars has been restored and will be a feature of this weekend’s Giltrap Group Historic Grand Prix at the Taupō Motorsport Park.

Almost 200 disc-golfers, including 64 professional players will have Taupō’s Spa Park in a spin next weekend for the 2026 Discraft Australasian Open.

Taupō boxer Connor Campbell has won through to the New Zealand Elite Team, meaning he will travel overseas in 2026 to continue the selection process for the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC).

A cyclist struck by the side mirror of a ute towing a horse float during the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge enduro is recovering in Tauranga Hospital from serious injuries.

Taupō was buzzing with energy today as thousands of riders rolled out for the 47th edition of the iconic Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge. With nine event categories on offer, including the debut of the Great Lake 100, over 3,000 cyclists of all ages, abilities and disciplines took to the course to test their legs and soak up the unbeatable atmosphere.

As the cyclists line up again this weekend for the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge , behind the scenes hundreds of volunteers and community groups are giving and gaining from the event.

A global trout-fishing movement for those undergoing treatment or living with cancer is providing relief for Kiwi men.

 It’s not just cyclists in town this week with the country’s top show jumpers here for the Taupō World Cup at Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre.

Excitement is building around Lake Taupō in the lead up to the 47th annual Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge. Riders, enthusiasts and supporters will be gathering, ready for the big day 29th November.

It has been an outstanding year for the Taupō Triathlon Club, and it couldn’t have finished on a higher note. Three club members proudly represented New Zealand at the recent World Triathlon Championships held in Wollongong, Australia.

Taupō’s annual sports awards had everything from rodeo bull riding to kart racing and karate.

The second spring horse trials at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre this coming weekend will have the challenge of a new cross-country course for the top two classes, which are being run under FEI (international) rules.

The Cosmopolitan Club Leisure Marchers are gathered in the carpark of the club preparing to head off to the North Island Display Day when I arrive, 15 minutes before departure.

Tūrangi’s Annual Sports Awards were held at the Tūrangi Golf Club on October 17 with sports across the Southern Lake being represented through nominees and supporters. 

Golfers and novices alike are invited to step up - or swing out - for a great cause at the Cancer Society’s Longest Day Golf Tournament, on Sunday November 30 at Taupō Golf Club.

More than 200 horses from the North Island attended the first major horse trials event of the spring season at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre at Aratiatia, Taupō, over the weekend.

Alongside a 35-year career in teaching, including 18 years as principal of Waipahihi Primary School, Bevan Arthur Choat will be remembered in Taupō for his unceasing dedication to reporting on sport in the district and recording its history.

Thousands of junior rugby players kick-started their school holidays in style by taking part in the country’s largest junior rugby festival in Taupō over the weekend.

The first major horse trials event of the 2025-26 season takes place at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre, Aratiatia, Taupō, on Saturday and Sunday, with top combinations entered from throughout the North Island.

Thousands of budding young footy stars from across the country are arriving in Taupō this weekend for the New Zealand Junior Rugby Festival at Owen Delany Park from September 18-21.

It’s a big rugby weekend for Taupō with hundreds of younger players in town for the annual Heartland Under 16’s Carnival and the King Country Rams playing their only Taupō game of the Bunnings Heartland Rugby Championship.