The 2026 race will take you, in teams of 2 or 4 mixed or single gender, across a brand new course in the South Wairarapa region. You will cover around 30-50 km within a time limit of 6 hours. This year we are introducing Rogaine stages - so you can decide how many checkpoints you want to collect within the time limit.
The course will include mountain biking, hiking, a water activity, navigation, team building and some surprise (potentially grubby or wet, but normally quirky and funny) activities along the way. One map per team will be provided at the start line 15 mins prior to the start. Navigation is by good old map and compass.
You will complete the race by collecting checkpoints (CP) and passing through transition areas (TA) where you will prepare for a change of discipline, re-fuel for the next stage and continue on to the finish line for a nice cold beer and a fantastic feed! What more could you ask for on a day out?
Check out the table below for our pricing from March 2026 @8am until entries close on 3rd November 2026 at 3 pm, unless sold out prior.
Your hard earned dosh gets you an awesome and exhausting days adventure, your very own Big Bang 2026 t-shirt, a meal ticket for the yummy finish line BBQ, and a great night's sleep.
Please note, merchandise orders close on 17th October at midnight. Any team entering after this date will not get a BBA t-shirt as part of their entry and can no longer order additional merchandise items.
College teams get one flat rate from start to finish, $450, until the 20 team places are full. After this, college teams will pay $600. For more details on the college division please check out the College Team page.
(To help keep this fee soooo low for college teams, we took out the t-shirt but don't panic, you can buy one when you enter. To qualify for the college team division all 4 team members MUST attend college or school, proof may be required)
ENTRY FEE
MEAL TICKETS
Extra meal tickets for friends and family can be purchased with your entry for only $25.
New location = new caterers. Expect some rural hospitality for 2026!!
PLEASE NOTE meal tickets are not available on race day.
COMPULSORY KIT
Food and water plus all compulsory gear required (See the Kit List) must be carried with you at all times during the race. Your gear will be checked at registration so please bring it with you (you won't need to bring your bike).
You are taking the kit to support your own safety, as most if it is there for use in an emergency, make sure you are prepared! To keep things fair, you may have your gear checked during the race too!!
SUPPORT CREW - not required
UPDATE 16/9/26: For Big Bang 2026 your team will NOT require a support crew.
If you already had one arranged, please bring them along anyway!!
Get in touch if you've purchased extra meal tickets no longer required.
Please note - We will be mostly on private farm land and there are ABSOLUTELY NO DOGS ALLOWED.
RACE REGISTRATION
We offer two race registrations, you and your team must attend one of them! You will be asked to select either Johnsonville (Wellington) or Martinborough registration when you enter online.
WELLINGTON
Wednesday 4th November Johnsonville Bowling Club. Directions are here.
Registrations between 6-8 pm, the briefing will be held at 8 pm sharp.
Bring your whole team, plus all your compulsory kit (except you bike) and we will see you there.
Free bowling is available while you wait so bring an extra pair of flat shoes and give it a go!
It's worth noting that the start line notes will NOT be handed out at the registration, they will be emailed to the team captain around lunch time on Friday 6th November to ensure no one gets a head start!
MARTINBOROUGH
Friday 6th November Martinborough Rugby Club. Regent Street. Directions are here
Registrations between 5-7 pm, the briefing will be held at 7 pm sharp.
Bring your whole team, plus all your compulsory kit (except you bike) and we will see you there.
Tortoise or Hare?
Due to the change to "6hr time limit Rogaine format", we are no longer starting in waves....
The race start time will be 9am for everybody.
ooooooh exciting!!!!
TIMETABLE
Race registration (as above) in Wellington or Martinborough.
SATURDAY 7th NOVEMBER - RACE DAY
07.00 race site opens
07.30 - 0.8.15 last minute gear checks and registrations (if you forgot something at rego etc?)
08.45 maps out
0900 start
15.00 (3pm) Race finish, time penalties apply.....
16.30 (APPROX or when the stats are ready) Results and prize giving.
The BBQ will be available from approx. 15.15 onward. This is a great time to wear your new fancy Big Bang T-shirt with pride.