Everything You Need to Know About the Burt Munro Challenge

What is the Burt Munro Challenge?

Born in Edendale in 1899, Burt Munro was a motorcycle enthusiast whose legendary achievements left a lasting mark. He bought his first bike at 15 and acquired an Indian Scout in 1920, which he continuously modified with custom parts throughout his life.

After setting multiple New Zealand land speed records in the 1940s and 1950s, Munro aimed to compete at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. At 63, he made his debut there in 1962 and set a record of 178.97 mph. He returned eight more times, setting two additional world records, including a 1967 record of 183.58 mph. During the same trip, he also reached 190.07 mph in qualifying, the fastest ever on an Indian motorcycle.

Inspired by the 2005 film "The World’s Fastest Indian," which celebrated Burt Munro’s remarkable life, the Southland Motorcycle Club established the Burt Munro Challenge to honour his ingenuity, determination, and passion for motorcycles. Since its debut in 2006, the event has become a major fixture in New Zealand’s motorsport calendar.

Sportsnet Holidays is proud to be an official travel package provider for such a historic event. Hosted by Aussie motorcycle legend Cam Donald, the Burt Munro Challenge Escorted Tour, is the best way to experience 4 days of motorsports mayhem in Invercargill!

5-Night Escorted Tour Itinerary

• Wednesday 05 February: Arrive in Invercargill. This evening, join your Sportsnet Holidays tour host and fellow travellers for a welcome drink and tour briefing.
• Thursday 06 February: NZ Hill Climb Champs and Twilight Drag Racing. The challenge kicks off just south of Invercargill with the Star Insurance NZ Hill Climb Champs at Bluff. In the evening, experience the excitement of the Indian Motorcycle Twilight Drag Racing at Teretonga Park.
• Friday 07 February: Enjoy a full breakfast including a range of hot and cold items at The Handle Bar. Transfer to the Indian Motorcycle Beach Racing and NZ Champs, to watch riders tear up and down the mile-long circuit.
• Saturday 08 February: After breakfast, transfer to Teretonga Park for the E Hayes and Sons Teretonga Sprint Races and New Zealand Superbike Champs. In the afternoon, transfer from the Teretonga Sprint Races to Oreti Park for a Speedway spectacular.
• Sunday 09 February: After breakfast, transfer to Teretonga Park for the final day of competition at the E Hayes and Sons Teretonga Sprint Races and NZ Superbike Champs. Join your tour leaders and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner with some fantastic cocktail food and a drink on arrival. 
• Monday 10 February: After breakfast, the tour concludes. Guests will then be required to make their own way to Invercargill Airport or their onward destination.