"I have competed at Ironman New Zealand 12 times since 1990.  Many of those were in Auckland and a few have been since the event moved to Taupo which I think was a great change.  The race and town atmosphere is similar to the highly popular Ironman Canada.  Taupo is a small town with incredible tourism infrastructure and community support that make the week before the event a great experience.  All Ironman races are the same distance but what sets them apart is the race management, the course, the community support and atmosphere as well as activities in the area and the region.  Ironman New Zealand stands high in all these areas.  That is why in my 23 years of doing Ironman races all over the world I have raced Ironman New Zealand more times than any other event except Hawaii.  Athletes owe it to themselves and their family to experience this great race and all the wonderful things there are to do in Taupo and other areas of New Zealand.  On March 3, 2007 I plan to be on the starting line once again and I hope you will join me."

Ken Glah - Ironman Legend , 50 times Ironman Finsiher, owner of Ironman Brazil and Endurance Sports Travel, husband and father.



"I have had the pleasure of attending Ironman New Zealand several times and have always been taken aback by the hospitality of the locals, and the culture and beauty of the area. The stunning natural environment of Taupo is unparalleled, and the clear, clean lake calls you to jump in for a swim. The race itself is one of the great races in the world; a true classic. It supremely well organized, and has a perfect balance of well-oiled-machine professionalism without losing it's sense of fun and spirit. If you are a new Ironman, this is a great place to start, and if you are a seasoned veteran, this race should be on your career list of must-do's"

Lance Watson - Olympic Gold Medal Coach, Ironman Champion Coach



"These days, you can travel the world and land on any continent and find and Ironman, but there is only one New Zealand! Peace and tranquility, that’s what immediately comes to my mind. I have attended this race 5 times and I cannot wait to board the plane to go back. The Bonita Ironman New Zealand is my favourite race outside of Kona for the very reason of being that you can race one day and holiday the next. It’s an event that still has a homey feel, and the community of Lake Taupo is right behind this iconic event.

Being the 2nd eldest in the Ironman Family, New Zealand has outstanding traditions and if you think the competition is easy then come again! The kiwis are tough at home, but they are proud of home. The Lake Taupo region offers an incredible variety of activites so all the family can enjoy their Ironman experience. One of my favourite things to do is to walk along the Lake and stop at a nearby hot spring feeding into the lake, and jump in.  Another is to Bungy Jump and take a ride on the Huka Jet. But my all time favourite thing is a round at Wairaki Golf Course.  Taupo is situated in the heart of the north Island, and situated in every Ironman’s heart after competing, truly, a very special place."

Greg Welch - Ironman World Champion 1994