The 15th International Unicycle World Championships begin on Monday in Wellington, the first time New Zealand has hosted the competition.
More than 600 competitors from 21 countries, including many from New Zealand, have registered to compete in nine days of events.
New Zealand's most accomplished unicyclist, Ken Looi, says New Zealand will hold its own in the street-riding, road event and mountain unicycling.
Japan leads the world in freestyle, he says.
Organiser Arthur Klap says everything that happens in track and field competitions also features in unicycle contests.
And he says there are unicycle team sports such as hockey and basketball.
Mr Klap says there will be free workshops during the competition for people to try out unicycling.
