It’s time to dust off your bike and head south for an adventure like no other! From 4-8 February 2026, Invercargill becomes the beating heart of New Zealand motorcycling with the legendary Burt Munro Challenge.

Burt and his 1936 Velocette before a run.

Who Was Burt Munro?

Born in Invercargill, Burt Munro is a global motorcycling icon. With his 1920 Indian Scout, modified in his own shed, he broke land speed records at Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967 and became a symbol of perseverance and innovation. His spirit lives on in every race and every rider who takes part in the Challenge.

This event is what you make it. Camp at the rally site and join the famous Saturday night party, or book a motel, hotel, or luxury B&B. Whatever spins your wheels, you’ll find it here and design your own good time.

Burt Munro Challenge rally site

What’s On

Five days of adrenalin-fuelled action await. Highlights include:

  • Bluff Hill Climb – A visceral experience where engines scream and riders battle gravity to reach the summit.
  • Indian Motorcycle Twilight Drag Racing – Watch racers streak down Teretonga Park straight at speeds over 250kph.
  • Beach Racing & NZ Champs at Oreti – Stand on the sand where Burt once opened the throttle and feel the raw power of bikes tearing across the beach.
  • Teretonga Sprint Races & NZ Superbike Champs – Experience the thrill of racing on the world’s southernmost FIA-approved circuit.
  • Speedway Spectacular – Brakeless bikes sliding through dirt in the afternoon, thrilling huge crowds around the circuit.

BMC Bluff Hill climb

More Than Racing

The Burt Munro Challenge is as much about people as it is about bikes. Invercargill’s streets fill with every kind of machine, vintage, touring, choppers, cruisers, sport, and dirt bikes. Camaraderie is forged through shared experiences, stories of the journey south, and discovering Southland’s highways and back roads.

BMC fans gather outside the iconic E Hayes & Sons

Don’t miss E Hayes & Sons, a family-owned hardware store turned museum, home to Burt’s original 1920 Indian Scout and a world-class collection of motorcycles and memorabilia.

Beach Racing & NZ Champs at Oreti

Also make time for Transport World, New Zealand’s largest private automotive museum, and Classic Motorcycle Mecca, which showcases an incredible collection of classic bikes from around the world.

Afterward, grab a seat at a local café or bar and soak up the rumble of bikes echoing through the city.

BMC Teretonga sprints

Plan Ahead

Accommodation and rally spots fill fast, so book early.

If you’re coming from Australia, getting there is easy – fly into New Zealand and enjoy an unforgettable road trip to Invercargill. It’s the perfect excuse to cross the ditch and experience the ultimate motorcycle adventure!

BMC Speedway

And why stop there? While you’re down south, take the time to explore more of Southland on two wheels, cruise the rugged coastline of The Catlins, marvel at the starry skies of Rakiura Stewart Island, and ride through the majestic wilderness of Fiordland.

Ready to feel closer to a legend? Visit www.burtmunrochallenge.co.nz/home for tickets, schedules, and everything you need to plan your adventure.