Tauranga to Host World Triathlon Championships, Boosting Tourism and Sport

In a major win for New Zealand’s sporting and tourism sectors, Tauranga has been confirmed as the host city for a prestigious series of World Triathlon events from 2026 to 2028, culminating in the World Triathlon Championship Finals in 2028. The announcement marks a significant milestone for New Zealand’s ability to attract major international sporting events and showcases the country’s continued excellence in triathlon sport.

A Global Stage for Tauranga and New Zealand

The announcement was made by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, who hailed the decision as a "game-changer" for the Bay of Plenty region and New Zealand more broadly.

“We’re excited to host these high-profile World Triathlon events, attracting international visitors to New Zealand and giving a major boost to our economy,” Minister Upston said.

Over the three-year period, the events are expected to attract over 6,000 international visitors, accounting for more than 100,000 international visitor nights and generating an estimated $25 million in international visitor spending.

The 2028 Championship Final alone is projected to bring over 4,500 elite international competitors, along with their support teams and thousands of fans from around the world.

Government Investment and Economic Impact

The New Zealand Government is backing the initiative with a $2.65 million investment from the Major Events Fund, helping to support Triathlon New Zealand in hosting three marquee events:

• World Triathlon World Cup – Tauranga 2026

• World Triathlon Championship Series – Tauranga 2027

• World Triathlon Championship Finals – Tauranga 2028

This support underscores the Government’s commitment to positioning New Zealand as a premier destination for high-profile international sports events.

“Major sporting events like these attract an international following from athletes and sport enthusiasts alike,” said Minister Upston.

The economic potential is significant. A similar event, the Ironman 70.3 World Championship held in Taupō last year, attracted 15,000 international visitors and injected $23 million into the regional economy, with $50 million in nationwide impact. The World Triathlon series in Tauranga is expected to mirror or exceed those figures, particularly with the multi-year structure allowing for long-term planning and legacy investment.

Global Broadcasting and Sporting Legacy

Each triathlon event will be broadcast live and streamed internationally, exposing New Zealand’s scenic landscapes and sporting excellence to millions of viewers worldwide. This global exposure not only promotes tourism but also reinforces New Zealand’s image as a capable and desirable host for international sport.

New Zealand has a storied history in the triathlon discipline, producing world-class athletes who have performed at the highest levels of global competition. Hosting these events on home soil presents an exciting opportunity for fans to watch Kiwi athletes compete against the world’s best.

“It will be fantastic for Kiwis to see our world-class athletes compete on home soil,” Minister Upston said.

Tauranga: A Fitting Host for a World-Class Event

Tauranga, located in the Bay of Plenty, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, modern infrastructure, and strong community support—qualities that make it ideal for hosting large-scale sporting events. Its coastal setting, vibrant economy, and accessibility from major international gateways position it as an attractive destination for athletes and visitors alike.

The triathlon series will not only stimulate economic activity but also provide a boost to local sport participation, volunteerism, and community engagement. Infrastructure improvements and event legacy programmes are also likely to benefit Tauranga residents long after the final athlete crosses the finish line in 2028.

Showcasing New Zealand on the World Stage

Beyond the economic benefits, the Government sees these events as an opportunity to showcase New Zealand’s natural beauty, hospitality, and organisational capability on the world stage. With live coverage beaming the country’s landscapes into millions of homes globally, the events will act as both a sporting spectacle and a tourism campaign.

“We’re proud to bring these international sporting events to New Zealand,” Upston said. “They support high-performance sport, drive tourism, and highlight our nation’s global reputation for hosting excellence.”

As the countdown to 2026 begins, Tauranga is set to become a focal point of international sport—welcoming athletes, fans, and millions of viewers to experience the best of New Zealand hospitality and competition.