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77km | The Shepherd

Competitive Shepherd & Social Shepherd Categories

The Cyclery 'The Shepherd'

Date: Saturday 11th April 2026

Distance: 77km

Start Time: 7:30am 

Start/Finish Line: Tekapo Lake Front

Race Briefing: 7:15am Saturday 11th April, 2026

Minimum Age: 14yr

Result Categories: Competitive Shepherd only:

1st, 2nd, 3rd Women, Men Overall, 

1st Female, 1st Male 14-18, 19-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

There are no prizes awarded for the Social Shepherd category. Results will be displayed as per the above for result purposes only. 

Race Cut Off Information:

11:00am Smoko Break (approximately 30km mark)

2:00pm Irishman Creek Cafe (approximately the 62km mark)

3:30pm Traffic Management Cut Off across the course. 

The Cyclery 'The Shepherd' 77km

The Race

The Cyclery The Shepherd is a NEW loop option for those keen to experience the event without the river crossings and the more technical riding of The Drover and The Muster. The Shepherd is a loop course around the canals, alongside Lake Pukaki, and up Braemar Rd. 


The course is predominately gravel road, with some short sections of sealed road. Riders will enjoy some of the most spectacular views on race day; the turquoise water in the canals and Lake Pukaki, the majestic Mackenzie landscape, and mountain views all around - including New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook. 


The start and finish line is on the Village Green in the Lake Tekapo village. You will head through the village and have a short climb until you get above the Tekapo Substation. From here you will descend to the start of the canals, where you will cross the bridge and begin your ride canal-side towards Lake Pukaki. This section of the course will be fast and is on sealed road for a short time. The road becomes gravel and you will ride alongside the canal until you reach State Highway 8. There will be a controlled crossing across the highway and then you will continue to ride alongside the canal until you reach the Lake Pukaki Power Station. This section of the race is part of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.


At this point you are now at the edge of Lake Pukaki. This lake is larger than Lake Tekapo and sits beneath Aoraki Mt Cook. The first aid station is at this point, where you can refuel before continuing alongside Lake Pukaki for the next 20km. The views are spectacular and you get the chance to see Aoraki Mt Cook as you continue on your ride. You will then come to Braemar Road where you turn right and head back towards Lake Tekapo. The first 10km of this road will be a test on the legs, with just over 300m of elevation gain over 10km. Once you finish this climb you get a reprieve as you head through true Mackenzie country -  the views are incredible in all directions. 


Along Braemar Rd riders will get to enjoy the Irishman Creek Café - an amazing café-style aid station with tables and chairs overlooking the vast landscape of the Mackenzie Region. 


The loop course finishes with a descent back into Lake Tekapo, where riders will enjoy a great reception and receive a beautiful finishers medal.


This option is perfect for E Bikes, Gravel Bikes, and of course Mountain Bikes. Riders will enjoy the hospitality at the Smoko Break Aid Station when you reach the edge of Lake Pukaki. At the historic Irishman Creek Hut there will be the "Irishman Creek Cafe" where there will be a café style stopover for those that want a rest amidst the incredible views.


Riders can choose to enter The Shepherd as a competitive race or a social race (see below).

The Social Shepherd

Why enter the Social Shepherd?

The Social Shepherd is perfect for those who want a bit of fun at the event. There are no prizes in this category, instead the focus is on completing the course, having a great time, and enjoying the views!

What should I expect?

  • The course will take around 6 hours to complete if you are riding between 10 - 14km/hr. 
  • With two aid stations around the course the emphasis is on keeping you fuelled and having a good time.
  • Mechanical support will be positioned around the course with e-bike marshals available to assist you if you need it.
  • Marshals are at regular intervals, the course is well marked, and you'll feel well supported throughout

Extra prizes just for social riders!

While this race doesn't offer podium prizes for the first across the line, there is some fun to be had out on course, allowing opportunities for prizes for social riders at the Prize Giving. 

Such as:

"Polaroid Hampers" -alongside Lake Pukaki we have the 'polaroid paparazzi'. Get your photo taken and bring it back to the finish line. We'll get your details and you'll go in the draw to win one of three incredible hampers. 

Lots more to come!! 

The Competitive Shepherd

Why enter the Competitive Shepherd?

The Competitive Shepherd is best suited for those who are either aiming for a podium finish, chasing a 'personal best', or just want to get from start to finish in the fastest time possible.

What should I expect?

  • The course will take around  2 1/4 hours to 6 hours, depending on pace. 
  • With two aid stations around the course riders will choose to stop and refuel or continue using their own supplies

Podium prizes

The Competitive Shepherd race will have podium prizes for the first three men and women across the line, as well as age category prizes for the 1st male and female in each age category.

PRIZE INFO

The Course

The Shepherd Info

The Shepherd Start Line

The Cyclery The Shepherd start line is at the main Race Village on the Village Green in Lake Tekapo. This is near the lake edge, in front of the shops.


The start will be via a classic kiwi 'Bark Off' - when the shepherd gets their dog to bark, that is the start gun. 


Competitive Shepherd riders will start the race first. There will be a 5 minute window for riders to start the race to allow for a good spread throughout the pack.  


Social Shepherd riders will start once the competitive riders have left.

RACE START TIMERULES AND SAFETY INFORMATIONCOMPULSORY GEARENTER NOW

Race Registration

The Shepherd competitors can collect Race Packs on Friday between 3pm - 7:30pm at the Bayleys Mackenzie office in Lake Tekapo. This is at the Mackenzie Room, The Godley Hotel, Unit B/2-4 Rapuwai Lane, Lake Tekapo.


You can also register on the morning of the race between 6:30am - 7:15am. We recommend all competitors to register on the Friday if possible. This will allow for a smoother morning before your ride. 

Total Elevation

The Shepherd has approximately 700m elevation gain across the 77km course. 

Aid Stations

Aid Stations are positioned around The Shepherd course at approximately the following points:


  • 30km Smoko Break
  • 62km Irishman Creek Cafe



All Aid Stations will be supplied with fresh water, Pure Sports Electrolyte Hydration, and lollies. 

There will be other food available - full details released closer to the event. 


Irishman Creek Cafe Aid Station is a café style stop with tables and chairs looking out over the landscape. In 2026 there will be scones (with jam and cream) and hot cross buns along with other food. 


All food served on course at The Mackenzie is included in the price of your entry.


Toilets will be at every Aid Station. 


Please ensure you have at least 2l of water and are carrying enough food to sustain you throughout your ride. We will be able to supply top-ups at the Aid Stations but it is best you remain self-sufficient as much as possible.

Alps 2 Ocean

A section of The Shepherd course is on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail and part of your entry fee goes towards the upkeep and development of this great trail. 

FIND OUT MORE

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