Host Location

"We chose Aoraki as the backdrop for Chapter 13 because it is such a spectacular showcase of the type of terrain that is very special to New Zealand and has an incredible legacy of adventurous spirit from the likes of Sir Edmund Hilary and Sir Harry Wigley who pioneered much of the adventure in this area.”

“This alpine environment is unique. From the high reaches down to the valley floors, rivers and lakes, there is adventure wherever you turn. I have spent a lot of time flying gliders around Mt Cook and the mountains in the Mackenzie and know them really well from the air. In gliders we get right in close to the mountains and I just love flying in this beautiful part of the world and am keen to encourage others to come and experience it.”

“If there is one GODZONE not to miss, this is the one. It’s going to be a breathtaking and exhilarating adventure with your teammates and particularly for those people who have never raced through an alpine environment quite like where Chapter 13 is going."

- Richie McCaw (Pure Adventure Charitable Trust)

Host Location - Aoraki MT COOK

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, located in the South Island’s Mackenzie Basin, is a World Heritage-listed alpine region featuring New Zealand’s highest peak (3,724m) and largest glaciers. It is a renowned alpine destination featuring the country’s tallest mountain and the most extensive glaciers of the Southern Alps.

The park is characterised by its rugged terrain of ice and rock, with 19 peaks soaring above 3,000 metres, including Aoraki/Mount Cook itself. This dramatic landscape presents a diverse range of environments, from towering mountains to serene lakes.

The region is celebrated for its hiking trails, stargazing opportunities, and mountaineering experiences. Picturesque turquoise lakes, such as Lake Pukaki, complement the landscape, and iconic tracks like the Hooker Valley Trail offer visitors a chance to explore the park’s natural beauty. The Hooker Valley track is one of the most popular with spectacular mountain views, alpine streams and impressive swing bridges. The village has a range of accommodation, cafes, restaurants and activities as well as an excellent DOC visitor centre.

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/aoraki-mount-cook-national-park/

Mackenzie Country: Attractions & Hospitality

The Mackenzie Country surrounds Aoraki National Park and features glacial lakes like Tekapō and Pukaki, along with expansive grasslands. It’s a top spot for cycling, mountain biking, and walking, boasting the renowned Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. The area serves as a gateway to the Southern Alps, drawing visitors to New Zealand’s tallest mountain. Popular activities include stargazing (Dark Sky Reserve), skiing, fishing, and hiking. Scenic towns such as Tekapō, Twizel, and Fairlie offer welcoming hospitality, dining, and accommodation.

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve encompasses 4,300 square kilometres, including Mount Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin. Its dry atmosphere, high elevation, and consistently clear skies contribute to its reputation for outstanding celestial observations.

Historically, the stars played a pivotal role in guiding people to New Zealand, and over Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the night sky remains remarkably vivid and detailed, unimpeded by artificial illumination. The internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve of Mackenzie Country and Tekapō provides exceptional stargazing experiences. This area was designated the first Dark Sky Reserve in the Southern Hemisphere and continues to rank among the largest and most pristine globally.

On nights without moonlight, the Milky Way traverses the sky in striking clarity. Notable southern constellations such as the Southern Cross, Alpha Centauri, and the Magellanic Clouds are visible, frequently leaving even experienced travellers impressed by their brilliance.

https://www.darkskyproject.co.nz/our-story/dark-sky-reserve/

Host Venue - Twizel

Twizel is a serene, purpose-built town in New Zealand’s Mackenzie District, acting as a stunning, central base for adventure in the Southern Alps. Known as a “fisherman’s paradise” with easy access to Mt Cook National Park. The town offers incredible stargazing, salmon fishing, turquoise canals, cycling, and Lord of the Rings scenery. The stunning backdrop of mountain ranges and easy access to both nature and amenities, makes it a popular place to stay or the perfect spot to pause while traveling in the region.

Gateway to Aoraki/Mount Cook: Located just 45 minutes from the national park, it is a convenient base for exploring New Zealand’s tallest mountain
Unrivaled Fishing & Water Activities: The area is famous for salmon and trout fishing in lakes, rivers, and the famous high-country canals.
Stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve: Nestled in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the area offers some of the clearest, darkest skies for stargazing
Stunning Outdoor Adventure: Surrounded by five lakes (including Lake Ruataniwha), it’s perfect for boating, walking, biking (Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail), heli-skiing, and hiking
Relaxed Small-Town Vibe: It is a quiet, safe, and friendly town that serves as a relaxing alternative to busier tourist hubs like Lake Tekapo.
Unique Local Flavors: Famous for its fresh salmon, and it hosts a vibrant local food and cafe scene

https://www.mackenzienz.com/visit-twizel/

South Island - New Zealand

New Zealand’s South Island hosts the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience. From wildlife to wineries, glacial valleys to star-filled skies, the South Island offers adventure in all its forms. Choose to explore just one region, or road trip from Picton all the way down to Bluff. No matter which destinations you choose to explore on this long, mountainous island, you’ll be constantly open-mouthed before the incredible scenery.

The main feature of scenery in the South Island is mountains. The Southern Alps mountain range is the backbone of the island, stretching for roughly 500 kilometres from Wanaka to Arthur’s Pass.

The Alps have snowy tops all year round, feeding glaciers and crystal clear rivers.

As well as dividing the island visually, the Southern Alps also separate the lower South Island into two distinct halves climatically. The West Coast is frequently drenched in rain the slopes on this side of the island are covered in lush forest. On the eastern side, the Canterbury Plains are much drier and feature a much more arid landscape.

The highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki/Mount Cook, soars to 3,724 metres. Mount Cook is one of New Zealand’s greatest natural features. The pyramid-shaped peak entices both day walkers and keen climbers. To get a glimpse of New Zealand’s tallest mountain, you can visit Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for a day walk or even an overnight trip to the famous Mueller’s Hut.

Cool Host Town

This is the perfect host town for GODZONE. All the amenities you need and close to everything. A great place to hang out for support crews with lots going on nearby.
Backcountry Beckons

A chance to explore somewhere new and off the beaten track. Chapter 13 will take teams into remote locations and test their skills, resilience and strategy.
Huge Fan Engagement

GODZONE gets more followers than any other expedition race on Earth. The Marlborough District have embraced the event. People want to be engaged in your journey.
Water That Inspires

There are multiple big and exciting rivers in the race area. There are also lots of smaller rivers that lend themselves well to paddling adventures. Packrafts will be used!
Somewhere New

GODZONE is first and foremost about visiting new locations and discovery. No rinse and repeat. Access to the best national parks too! We're excited to get out there.
Epic Mountain Biking

This part of the South Island has some of the most epic and exciting backcountry mountain biking in New Zealand. We're sure they will be a part of Chapter 13.
Peaks Over 2000m!

Huge mountains of over 2000m are everywhere. Towering peaks, majestic passes. This Chapter could provide some of the greatest vistas in GODZONE history.
Proper Paddling

Real boats for a real race. Forget the dud sit on top kayaks you get at other expedition races. These are the best fleet of kayaks used in any adventure race. Fast and fun.
Navigation Focused

Chapter 13 will once again feature challenging navigation. It's a hallmark of GODZONE that the event requires great skill, coupled with killer strategy. The bush will be different this time.
Mystery Activities

We like to throw in the odd surprise when something presents itself. A swim, an abseil, a strategic decision to make whether to take a packraft or not.
Ultimate Team Challenge

This is the ultimate team challenge for those into adventure. You are given 8 and a bit days to complete the course. To make it to the finish in the time allowed is the holy grail.