Hannah Berry, the 2025 women’s Loan Market Oceanside Tauranga Half Ironman champion, returns this year to compete. Photo / Hamish Collie
This Saturday will be a massive day of sport in Tauranga, with two events drawing thousands to the city.
By day, Mount Maunganui hosts the Fulton Hogan Mount Festival of Multisport, and by night, T20 cricket will light up Bay Oval with the return of Hot Spring Spas T20 Black Clash in association with Wolfbrook.
“It’s fantastic to see Tauranga come alive this weekend with these two thrilling sporting events. We are excited to welcome the many visitors coming here, whether they are here to compete, or to spectate and support their loved ones,” Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said.
“Events like these not only create an incredible atmosphere but also deliver real benefits for our local economy.”
In 2025, Fulton Hogan Mount Festival of Multisport delivered a major boost for Tauranga, generating more than 5000 visitor nights and close to $1 million in visitor spend across the city.
The action kicks off early on Saturday morning with the Fulton Hogan Mount Festival of Multisport, featuring the Loan Market Oceanside Tauranga Half Ironman, Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon and iLine Construction AquaBike events across Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa.
The Tauranga Half has been part of the Mount Maunganui summer since 1990, making it one of New Zealand’s longest-running triathlons.
Its cycle leg includes two laps of the Tauranga Eastern Link, making up its 90km length.
SMC Events festival director Lauren Watson said the course adds to its appeal for both participants and spectators.
“The festival is known for its scenic courses, electric atmosphere, and its reputation as one of New Zealand’s most inspiring endurance weekends.
“This year’s line-up features Olympians and multisport world champions, including Hannah Berry, Nicole Van Der Kaay, Sam Harvey, Jack Moody and Sam Osbourne. We have an incredibly strong international field with amazing depth. It’s going to be a showdown on an incredibly flat, fast course, you won’t want to miss it!”
The best places to watch the event are along The Mall, Marine Parade and Oceanbeach Rd in Mount Maunganui.
The sporting action continues into the evening with the Hot Spring Spas T20 Black Clash in association with Wolfbrook at Bay Oval, as Team Rugby takes on Team Cricket in a fun, fast-paced clash featuring some of New Zealand’s biggest sporting names.
Team Cricket includes cricket stars Jesse Ryder, Neil Wagner, Grant Elliot and Adam Parore, while Team Rugby, led by Kieran Read, will feature Jordie Barrett, Andy Ellis, Colin Slade and Joey Wheeler.
Now in its eighth year, the T20 Black Clash has become a must-see summer spectacle.
It was a ratings hit once again for TVNZ, with over a million Kiwis tuning in across TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ to watch the action.
On the scoreboard, Team Cricket leads with five wins to Team Rugby’s two, with every match going down to the final over, delivering an electric atmosphere and fan-friendly entertainment.
It’s the ultimate summer experience and adds to what is shaping up to be one of the city’s busiest sporting days of the season.
Event details – Saturday, January 17, 2026
Fulton Hogan Mount Festival of Multisport – events begin from 6.35am
Hot Spring Spas T20 Black Clash, Bay Oval – gates open at 5pm | First innings at 6.30pm
For the full line-up of summer events in Tauranga, visit whatsontauranga.co.nz
Event road closures for Mount Festival of Multisport:
Several road closures will be in place across Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa.
The Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (TEL) eastbound closure is expected to cause significant disruption during the cycle leg of the event.
Key closures include:
Salisbury Ave (up to Victoria Rd), Salisbury Wharf carpark and The Mall (from Prince Ave to Salisbury Ave) closed from 6am Friday, January 16, to 9pm, Saturday, January 17.
The Mall, Adams Ave, Marine Parade and the Pilot Bay Boat Ramp closed from 4.30am to 5pm, Saturday, January 17.
Oceanbeach Rd, Yale St, Omanu Way, Maranui St, Pāpāmoa Beach Rd (up to Parton Rd) will be closed from 4.30am to 1pm on Saturday, January 17.
A lane closure on Parton Rd (from Papamoa Beach Rd to Tara Rd) from 5.30am to 1pm on Saturday, January 17.
The Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (TEL) eastbound lanes between Domain Rd and Paengaroa roundabout will be closed for the cycle leg of the event from 5.30am to 1pm on Saturday, January 17.
The alternative route for people driving eastbound during this time will be via Te Puke Highway.
Westbound lanes will remain open under usual operation.
– Content supplied by Tauranga City Council