Marking its 12th year, The Big Bike Film Night 2026 is set to ignite the passion of cycling enthusiasts in Taupō on Wednesday March 11, 2026.
This much-loved film festival promises “a feast of short films devised and designed for the two-wheel devotee” celebrating the fun, adventure, and inspiration that only bikes can bring.
From humble beginnings in 2015, The Big Bike Film Night has grown into an international phenomenon that brings a love of cycling to cinemas, presenting an array of New Zealand and international movies curated by Taupō-based “Film Pedlar” Brett Cotter.
“Stories are at the heart of everything, and our dazzling 2026 collection features nine mesmerizing films; each as are as dynamic and diverse as you could hope for, and all ready to spin your wheels,” says the aptly named Cotter.
“Audiences will be transported from backyard adventures in New Zealand to the breathtaking landscapes of Norway, the lush forests of the Canadian West Coast, and we’ll crown things off on the slopes of the punishing Mont Ventoux, in Southern France.”
A highlight of this year’s programme is the world premiere of Queen of the Mountain, set in the stunning surrounds of Queenstown. This documentary follows Annie Ford, an adventure activist, as she attempts to break the 24-hour Guinness World Record in downhill mountain biking – all to raise funds for reforesting the foothills in the Queenstown basin.
Annie’s relentless pursuit not only pushes the limits of endurance but also becomes a powerful symbol of resilience and environmental commitment.
“Annie is known for combining extreme endurance challenges with environmental advocacy,” says Cotter. “This film not only showcases Annie’s grit and determination but also shows how using adventure as a tool can inspire others.”
Also, in the treasure chest of films, are:
· a dazzling mountain bike ride exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Norway, embracing the magic of the midnight sun,
· a life-changing experience for two adventurous women as they embark to cycle to all the ski-fields in New Zealand in one gigantic attempt,
· an inspiring film that captures the most brutal, most heinous, wettest, coldest, riding conditions imaginable,
· a compelling story about perseverance, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of navigating daily life following a life-altering injury, and how adaptive design has transformed and enriched the journey forward,
· a film that playfully delves into the world of those taking cycling to new heights – celebrating fun, silliness, and creativity that comes with pushing boundaries on two wheels,
· a heart-warming father-and-son journey, joining them as they take on one of life’s most meaningful milestones- riding a bike together as a family,
· and we all love an underdog tale! This charming, funny, heartfelt film inspires us to believe that we all have the capacity to be unlikely heroes in our own stories. The audience is transported back to the nostalgic 1990s, to the slopes of the punishing Mont Ventoux, in Southern France, to witness the drama of a battle between two giants.
“The power of storytelling is at the forefront of what we offer, and the belief that the humble bicycle can help improve our health and inspire people with where it can take them. As I’ve said, nothing begins without a story, so it’s a real privilege connecting communities with stories that captivate us, that uplift us, and most importantly of all- inspire us to get out and ride” says Cotter.
The Big Bike Film Night 2026 will be presented in Taupō on Wednesday, March 11 at 7pm at the Great Lake Centre Theatre.
For more information, and tickets visit www.bigbikefilmnight.nz
Photo Credit: Niklas Wallner | Midnattssol
This story first appeared on LakeFM Big Bike Film Night – a show for cycling fanatics
