Meridian Twizel HARD LABOUR WEEKEND - 2025
🎉 Twizel Hard Labour Weekend Turns 40 in 2025!
🎉Celebrate Four Decades of Challenge, Community, and Camaraderie!
Get ready to be part of something truly special as the Twizel Hard Labour Weekend celebrates its 40th anniversary in October 2025! For four decades, this iconic event has been bringing together athletes, families, and adventurers from all walks of life to experience the heart and soul of the Mackenzie Country—all while raising vital funds to support Twizel sport, community wellbeing, and local projects.
✨ A Community Event Like No Other
Run entirely by an incredible team of dedicated volunteers, the Hard Labour Weekend is more than just a race—it's a celebration of community spirit, outdoor adventure, and giving back. Every stride, pedal, and paddle helps to strengthen the Twizel community and its future.
🚣♀️ Kayak the Majestic Canals
🚴♂️ Cycle and Run Through the Mackenzie’s Hidden Gems
Take on the challenge and enjoy exclusive access to areas normally closed to the public, set against the breathtaking landscapes of the Southern Alps, turquoise canals, and rugged high country. Whether you’re here to compete, to challenge yourself, or to soak in the scenery, the Twizel Hard Labour Weekend offers something for everyone.
🙏 Thank You to Our Sponsors
This event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our key event sponsors - Present (Meridian Energy, Mt Cook Alpine Salmon, 4 Square MacKenzie, Lakestone Lodge) who continue to stand alongside us year after year. Their backing ensures the event thrives and our community reaps the rewards.
🎽 Don’t Miss Out—Be Part of the Legend!
With a warm Twizel welcome, superb organisation, and a festive atmosphere, this is the event you’ll want to tick off your bucket list. Entries fill fast—make 2025 the year you become part of the Hard Labour legacy.
👉 Join us for the 40th celebration. Challenge yourself. Support the community. Experience the Mackenzie.
#HardLabour40 #TwizelHardLabour #MackenzieChallenge #CommunitySpirit #RunCycleKayak
Key dates
Event: Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October 2025
Online entries closes: Thursday 23 October 2025 at 9:00 pm
In person collection of registration pack and collection of race numbers:
- Friday 24 October 2025, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Twizel Events Centre
- Up to 15 minutes prior to event start
Late entries (after 9:00pm 23 October 2025) / On the day entries will incur additional late entry fee.
On the day late entries will be accepted up to 15 minutes prior to race briefing (not event start) for each race on the day. Additional late entry fee applies.
About Hard Labour Weekend
The Meridian Twizel Hard Labour Weekend is a multi-sport event that takes place every October in the stunning high country of the Mackenzie Region.
There are three events over two days – canal kayak (20km), mountain bike (16km or 40km), and off-road run or walk (10km or 21km) – with options for almost everyone, from multi-sport athletes to families.
Kids can do the Mini Dusky mountain bike (10km) or run/walk the Mini Pyramid (5km).
A brand‑new format for 12–17 year‑olds combines indoor rowing, 16km mountain bike, and a 10 km offroad run—designed to give teens a taste of the full Hard Labour challenge
People can enter individual events or, for the really keen, complete all three events and become a “Hard Labourer”!
It all began in 1985 when a half marathon was started as a fundraiser for community groups helping on the day. In the early 2000’s, emphasis shifted towards funding kids sports clubs. Since then, it has evolved into a multi-sport event but still has its focus on fundraising for local youth sports. Twizel is home to a thriving sports scene, from snowboarding to netball to rowing to rugby. Athletes, sports teams, and clubs have travel costs and equipment to cover and Hard Labour Weekend supports these endeavours with some funds from the event distributed back into the sports community. They also support community groups such as Twizel St John, Coastguard Mackenzie Lakes, Twizel Kindergarten, and the Twizel Early Learning Centre who support the events with safety backup and preparing food for competitors.
Register Today!
Event schedule
- Thu, October 23, 2025 9:00 pm - Online Entries Close
- Fri, October 24, 2025 6:00 pm - Collect Race Number and Registration, Twizel Events Centre.
- Sat, October 25, 2025 7:00 am - DAY ONE races and activities
- Sat, October 25, 2025 8:00 am - Steve Skinner Canal Kayak (Lake Ruataniwha)
- Sat, October 25, 2025 8:30 am - Youth Hard Labour Indoor Row (Meridian Rowing Centre, Lake Ruataniwha)
- Sat, October 25, 2025 1:00 pm - Dusky Trail MTB (Glenn Lyon Road)
- Sat, October 25, 2025 5:00 pm - Day 1 Prizegiving (MoW Bar)
- Sun, October 26, 2025 7:00 am - DAY TWO races and activities
- Sun, October 26, 2025 8:00 am - Pyramid Run and Walk (Glen Lyon Road)
- Sun, October 26, 2025 2:00 pm - Day 2 Prizegiving (MoW Bar)
Countdown to event
Contact information
- Event contact
- Meridian Twizel Hard Labour Weekend Committee
- Phone
- (+64) 027 482 4652
- Website
- Visit website
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
Hard Labourer YOUTH - 12 - 17 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
Two day multisport event comprising 3 events Day One: Indoor Row at Twizel Rowing Centre situated at Meridian Rowing Centre, 50 Kate Cameron Drive, Twizel. (8:30 am start TBC ) and Dusky Trail Mountain Bike 16km (1:10 pm start). Day Two: Pyramid Off-Road Run 10 km (9:00 am start) PLEASE NOTE : START TIMES ARE INDICATIVE ONLY AND TO BE CONFIRMED.
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Register for Hard Labourer YOUTH - 12 - 17 yrsNZD 45.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 60.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
Hard Labourer - Open Event Under 18 approved entry Access code only
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
Two day multisport event comprising 3 events Day One: Steve Skinner Canal Kayak 20km (8:00 am start) and Dusky Trail Mountain Bike 40km (1:00 pm start). Day Two: Pyramid Off-Road Run 21 km (9:00 am start)
-
NZD 160.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 210.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
Hard Labourer - Open 18 - 39 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
Two day multisport event comprising 3 events Day One: Steve Skinner Canal Kayak 20km (8:00 am start) and Dusky Trail Mountain Bike 40km (1:00 pm start). Day Two: Pyramid Off-Road Run 21 km (9:00 am start)
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Register for Hard Labourer - Open 18 - 39 yrsNZD 160.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 210.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
Hard Labourer - Veteran 40 - 49 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
Two day multisport event comprising 3 events Day One: Steve Skinner Canal Kayak 20km (8:00 am start) and Dusky Trail Mountain Bike 40km (1:00 pm start). Day Two: Pyramid Off-road Run 21 km (9:00 am start)
-
Register for Hard Labourer - Veteran 40 - 49 yrsNZD 160.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 210.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
Hard Labourer - Classic 50 ys +
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
Two day multisport event comprising 3 events Day One: Steve Skinner Canal Kayak 20km (8:00 am start) and Dusky Trail Mountain Bike 40km (1:00 pm start). Day Two: Pyramid Off-road Run 21 km (9:00 am start)
-
Register for Hard Labourer - Classic 50 ys +NZD 160.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 210.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
20km Steve Skinner Canal Kayak - under 18 Approved Entry Access code only
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
Kayak Race around Lake Ruataniwha before heading down the hydro canals with a couple of road crossing and ending on Lake Benmore at the Ohau C Power Station outlet. No paddleboarders are permitted.
-
NZD 70.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 100.00
on the day late entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
20km Steve Skinner Canal Kayak - Open 18 - 39 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
Kayak Race around Lake Ruataniwha before heading down the hydro canals with a couple of road crossing and ending on Lake Benmore at the Ohau C Power Station outlet. No paddleboarders are permitted.
-
Register for 20km Steve Skinner Canal Kayak - Open 18 - 39 yrsNZD 70.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 100.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
20km Steve Skinner Canal Kayak - Veteran 40 - 49 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
Kayak Race around Lake Ruataniwha before heading down the hydro canals with a couple of road crossing and ending at Lake Benmore at the Ohau C Power Station outlet. No paddleboarders are permitted.
-
Register for 20km Steve Skinner Canal Kayak - Veteran 40 - 49 yrsNZD 70.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 100.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
20km Steve Skinner Canal Kayak - Classic 50 yrs +
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
Kayak Race around Lake Ruataniwha before heading down the hydro canals with a couple of road crossing and ending at Lake Benmore at the Ohau C Power Station outlet. No paddleboarders are permitted.
-
Register for 20km Steve Skinner Canal Kayak - Classic 50 yrs +NZD 70.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 100.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
10km Mini Dusky Mountain Bike ride
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
10km mountain bike race that is great for the kids. On the flat farmland. The start/finish area is in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station.
-
Register for 10km Mini Dusky Mountain Bike rideNZD 10.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 20.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
16km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - Youth 12 - 17 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
16km mountain bike race that traverses DOC land and several iconic high country stations – Rhoboro Downs, Ben Ohau and Omahau Hill Station. The start/finish area is in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station. The course has no hills and only a couple of small stream crossings. It is suitable for kids who want to make the transition from the 10 km ‘Mini Dusky’ event or for adults who do not want to complete the full 40 km event. Riders entering this category are not eligible for prizes where an e-bike is used.
-
Register for 16km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - Youth 12 - 17 yrsNZD 15.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 30.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
16km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - Open 18 - 39 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
16km mountain bike race that traverses DOC land and several iconic high country stations – Rhoboro Downs, Ben Ohau and Omahau Hill Station. The start/finish area is in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station. The course has no hills and only a couple of small stream crossings. It is suitable for kids who want to make the transition from the 10 km ‘Mini Dusky’ event or for adults who do not want to complete the full 40 km event. Riders entering this category are not eligible for prizes where an e-bike is used.
-
Register for 16km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - Open 18 - 39 yrsNZD 60.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 90.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
16km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - Veteran 40 - 49 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
16km mountain bike race that traverses DOC land and several iconic high country stations – Rhoboro Downs, Ben Ohau and Omahau Hill Station. The start/finish area is in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station. The course has no hills and only a couple of small stream crossings. It is suitable for kids who want to make the transition from the 10 km ‘Mini Dusky’ event or for adults who do not want to complete the full 40 km event. Riders entering this category are not eligible for prizes where an e-bike is used.
-
Register for 16km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - Veteran 40 - 49 yrsNZD 60.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 90.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
16km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - Classic 50 yrs +
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
16km mountain bike race that traverses DOC land and several iconic high country stations – Rhoboro Downs, Ben Ohau and Omahau Hill Station. The start/finish area is in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station. The course has no hills and only a couple of small stream crossings. It is suitable for kids who want to make the transition from the 10 km ‘Mini Dusky’ event or for adults who do not want to complete the full 40 km event. Riders entering this category are not eligible for prizes where an e-bike is used.
-
Register for 16km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - Classic 50 yrs +NZD 60.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 90.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
16km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - e-bike (no age groups)
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
Specific category for those riding e-bikes. 16km mountain bike race that traverses DOC land and several iconic high country stations – Rhoboro Downs, Ben Ohau and Omahau Hill Station. The start/finish area is in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station. The course has no hills and only a couple of small stream crossings. It is suitable for kids who want to make the transition from the 10 km ‘Mini Dusky’ event or for adults who do not want to complete the full 40 km event.
-
Register for 16km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - e-bike (no age groups)NZD 60.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 90.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
40km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - Youth 12 - 17 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
40km mountain bike race that traverses DOC land and several iconic high country stations – Rhoboro Downs, Ben Ohau and Omahau Hill Station. The start/finish area is in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station. Riders entering this category are not eligible for prizes where an e-bike is used.
-
Register for 40km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - Youth 12 - 17 yrsNZD 15.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 30.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
40km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - Open 18 - 39 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
40km mountain bike race that traverses DOC land and several iconic high country stations – Rhoboro Downs, Ben Ohau and Omahau Hill Station. The start/finish area is in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station. Riders entering this category are not eligible for prizes where an e-bike is used.
-
Register for 40km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - Open 18 - 39 yrsNZD 70.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 100.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
40km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - Veteran 40 - 49 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
40km mountain bike race that traverses DOC land and several iconic high country stations – Rhoboro Downs, Ben Ohau and Omahau Hill Station. The start/finish area is in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station. Riders entering this category are not eligible for prizes where an e-bike is used.
-
Register for 40km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - Veteran 40 - 49 yrsNZD 70.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 100.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
40km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - Classic 50 yrs +
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
40km mountain bike race that traverses DOC land and several iconic high country stations – Rhoboro Downs, Ben Ohau and Omahau Hill Station. The start/finish area is in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station. Riders entering this category are not eligible for prizes where an e-bike is used.
-
Register for 40km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - Classic 50 yrs +NZD 70.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 100.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
40km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - e-bike (no age groups)
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
40km mountain bike race that traverses DOC land and several iconic high country stations – Rhoboro Downs, Ben Ohau and Omahau Hill Station. The start/finish area is in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station. Specific category for those riding e-bikes
-
Register for 40km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - e-bike (no age groups)NZD 70.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 100.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
5km Mini Pyramid Run
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
5km fun run for the kids that starts and finishes in the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station. Parents are able to accompany children in this event without need to register.
-
Register for 5km Mini Pyramid RunNZD 10.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 20.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
10km Off-road Run - Youth 12 - 17 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
10km Off Road Run: From the Start/Finish in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station, initially the course follows sealed road crossing the canal before following good farm tracks which take you up to the end of the planation area at which then head down 4wd track to join the Darts Bush Stream and Fraser Stream and back to the start/finish.
-
Register for 10km Off-road Run - Youth 12 - 17 yrsNZD 15.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 30.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
10km Off-road Run - Open 18 - 39 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
10km Off Road Run: From the Start/Finish in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station, initially the course follows sealed road crossing the canal before following good farm tracks which take you up to the end of the planation area at which then head down 4wd track to join the Darts Bush Stream and Fraser Stream and back to the start/finish.
-
Register for 10km Off-road Run - Open 18 - 39 yrsNZD 60.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 90.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
10km Off-road Run - Veteran 40 - 49 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
10km Off Road Run: From the Start/Finish in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station, initially the course follows sealed road crossing the canal before following good farm tracks which take you up to the end of the planation area at which then head down 4wd track to join the Darts Bush Stream and Fraser Stream and back to the start/finish.
-
Register for 10km Off-road Run - Veteran 40 - 49 yrsNZD 60.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 90.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
10km Off-road Run - Classic 50 yrs +
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
10km Off Road Run: From the Start/Finish in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station, initially the course follows sealed road crossing the canal before following good farm tracks which take you up to the end of the planation area at which then head down 4wd track to join the Darts Bush Stream and Fraser Stream and back to the start/finish.
-
Register for 10km Off-road Run - Classic 50 yrs +NZD 60.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 90.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
10km Off-road Walk (no age groups)
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
10km Off Road Walk: From the Start/Finish in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station, initially the course follows sealed road crossing the canal before following good farm tracks which take you up to the end of the planation area at which then head down 4wd track to join the Darts Bush Stream and Fraser Stream and back to the start/finish.
-
Register for 10km Off-road Walk (no age groups)NZD 60.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 90.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
21km Pyramid Off-road Run - Youth 12 - 17 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
21km Half Marathon: From the Start/Finish in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station, initially the course follows sealed road crossing the canal before following good farm tracks which take you up to the Pyramid Saddle, then a short decent before heading to the base of Ben Ohau Range, then descending to Darts Bush Stream and Fraser Stream and back to the start/finish.
-
Register for 21km Pyramid Off-road Run - Youth 12 - 17 yrsNZD 15.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 30.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
21km Pyramid Off-road Run - Open 18 - 39 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
21km Half Marathon: From the Start/Finish in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station, initially the course follows sealed road crossing the canal before following good farm tracks which take you up to the Pyramid Saddle, then a short decent before heading to the base of Ben Ohau Range, then descending to Darts Bush Stream and Fraser Stream and back to the start/finish.
-
Register for 21km Pyramid Off-road Run - Open 18 - 39 yrsNZD 70.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 100.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
21km Pyramid Off-road Run - Veteran 40 - 49 yrs
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
21km Half Marathon: From the Start/Finish in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station, initially the course follows sealed road crossing the canal before following good farm tracks which take you up to the Pyramid Saddle, then a short decent before heading to the base of Ben Ohau Range, then descending to Darts Bush Stream and Fraser Stream and back to the start/finish.
-
Register for 21km Pyramid Off-road Run - Veteran 40 - 49 yrsNZD 70.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 100.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
21km Pyramid Off-road Run - Classic 50 yrs +
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
21km Half Marathon: From the Start/Finish in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station, initially the course follows sealed road crossing the canal before following good farm tracks which take you up to the Pyramid Saddle, then a short decent before heading to the base of Ben Ohau Range, then descending to Darts Bush Stream and Fraser Stream and back to the start/finish.
-
Register for 21km Pyramid Off-road Run - Classic 50 yrs +NZD 70.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 100.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
21km Pyramid Off-road Walk (no age groups)
Price changes in 3 months 3 days-
21km Off Road Walk: From the Start/Finish in one of the home paddocks of Ben Ohau Station, initially the course follows sealed road crossing the canal before following good farm tracks which take you up to the Pyramid Saddle, then a short decent before heading to the base of Ben Ohau Range, then descending to Darts Bush Stream and Fraser Stream and back to the start/finish.
-
Register for 21km Pyramid Off-road Walk (no age groups)NZD 70.00
Standard Pricing
Now registering Dec 19 – Oct 23 -
NZD 100.00
On the day Late Entry
Oct 23 – Oct 23
-
