Bikeaholic’s Guide to the Queenstown Bike Festival

16th January – 25th January 2026

Ten days. Too many bikes. Not enough sleep. Perfect.

If you’ve ridden in Queenstown for more than five minutes, you already know the Bike Festival isn’t just an event, it’s a full takeover of your legs, your liver, and your excuses for not going to work.

With 20 events packed into ten days, the stoke levels are borderline irresponsible. From heli laps to slopestyle, whip-offs, McGazzaFest, and descents that eat 1200m of vert, if it’s got two wheels and makes you grin like an idiot, it’s probably on the official schedule. 2026 is shaping up to be something special.

And this year means more. It marks 10 years of McGazzaFest, celebrating and remembering our mate Kelly McGarry, who helped shape this town and its riding culture. We’ll be doing it the way he would have wanted: riding hard, living large, and sharing it with good people.

So… what actually shouldn’t you miss?

With 20 events on the official programme, it can be hard to know where to focus. So we asked the Bikeaholic crew which events they’re most looking forward to and why.
👉 Full festival schedule here 

16” Pub World Champs

Staff pick: Jarna
When: Friday 17 January | Time: 5pm | Where: Canyon Brewery

“I don’t know if the 16-inch Pub World Champs is even in it anymore… but that. And if it isn’t, then it should be.” - Jarna

Cue nostalgic ramblings about back in the day, when this event was allegedly started in a basement, caused thousands of dollars’ worth of damage, and was promptly moved to a pub because, Queenstown.

Don’t worry, the 16” Pub World Champs is still on the schedule and ready for some very serious tiny bike business. Riders race little bikes around the Canyon Brewery pub course, dodging tight corners, obstacles, and the very real chance of water or beer flying through the air. Fastest lap takes the top step, dignity is optional. Tiny bike chaos kicks off Friday 17 January at 5pm.

The Bikeaholic Mega Train (yeh we're sponsoring it)

Staff picks: George & Mat
When: Friday 23 January 2026 | Time: 6pm | Where: Skyline Queenstown (meet at top terminal) | Finish: Atlas Bar

“To see how many overtakes I can get done on really sketchy corners.” - George
“It’s just so much fun.” - Mat

We’re stoked to be sponsoring the McGazza Mega Train, a mass start ride down Hammies and Original, keeping Kelly McGarry’s legendary overtaking spirit alive. Fast, loud, loose, and just the right amount of chaos. Heads up: if a mad Scotsman rockets past mid corner laughing like a lunatic, that’s Mat. If someone else flies past counting overtakes like it’s a full time job, that’s George (we’re actually quite surprised he can count.)

Sponsor funds raised helps support the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club (QMTBC), the legends who keep these trails rideable, fun, and just the right amount of dangerous - and help make this festival happen. Ride hard and hoot loud.

Gorge Road Jam

Staff pick: Jethro
When: Sunday 25 January 2026 | Time: 3:00pm | Where: Gorge Road Jump Park (next to Industrial Place)

“I’m quite excited to watch Gorge Road Jam, because I like watching people do dirt jumps.” — Jethro

Keen to watch humans fling themselves off dirt jumps like they’ve lost all sense of self-preservation? Gorge Road Jam’s your jam. It kicks off straight after the Junior Jam, the park’s freshly revamped, and it’s open to dirt jump and BMX bikes. Grab a drink, stake a spot, and soak up the chaos. There’s food if you need to refuel, and a heads-up: some of these riders stick bigger landings than you ever dreamed possible - try not to spill your drink.

Dream Jam

Staff picks: Liam, Nehuen, Millie & Tristan
When: Saturday 24 January | | Time: 3:30 pm( Juniors) 5pm (Adults) Where: Dream Track, Wynyard Bike Park

Held on Dream in Wynyard Bike Park, the Dream Jam is one of the standout events of the festival. Designed for highly experienced riders, the jumps let competitors go big, very much in the spirit of Kelly McGarry.

Staff thoughts:

• Liam (from a safe distance): “I’ll never have the ability or the balls to ride it, so it’s good to watch. It’s a pretty epic spectacle.”
  
  

• Nehuen: “Dream Jam. I like sick jumps, and the energy is just crazy.”
  
  

• Millie (from the safest possible distance, beer in hand): “All the thrills none of the spills.”
  
  

• Tristan: “I like jumps. And I like frothing on big jumps, upside down, sideways, all directions. And there’s a good party after that. A little bit of alcohol, and yeah, frothing on that.”
  
  

Even if you’re not riding, this is one of the best events to watch all week - insane whips, massive air, and an atmosphere that’s impossible to beat.

Gravel Group Social Ride

Staff pick: Sacha
When: Sunday 18 January | Time: 9am | Where: Meeting at Gantley's Pub

“Maybe the gravel. Yeah. The gravel is the good one.” - Sacha

Whether this is sarcasm, sincerity, or just Sacha being French remains unclear. What is clear is that gravel has firmly earned its place in the festival. The Gravel Group Social Ride is a relaxed, social way to get involved, perfect if you want to ride, explore, and chat without the pressure of racing.  And, of course, it’s the best chance to see Sacha in his lycra.

Memorial Ride

Staff pick: Liam
When: Sunday 25 January 2026 | Time: 11am | Where: Skyline Queenstown (meet at top terminal)

Liam’s pick: “The McGazza lap from the table is kind of the best ride you can get. It’s pretty special.”

This ride heads up to the McGazza table at the top of the Fernhill Loop, a spot that means a lot to anyone who knew Kelly McGarry. It’s a chance to take a breather, soak in the view, and ride in memory of a legend. Keep an eye out for the cheeky Kea while you’re there.

Get Amongst It

And that’s just scratching the surface. There’s heaps more to ride, watch, and get involved in beyond the events we’ve highlighted. Whether you’re lining up for races, cheering from the sidelines, or sneaking in laps between parties, get amongst it. Ride hard, support the club, and soak up the stoke.