Resources

WELCOME

… to the second update for One New Zealand GODZONE, Chapter 13.

This will be a relatively brief Newsletter with most key information already outlined on the website and in Newsletter 1. We are very happy with team numbers -targeting 45 teams and are pretty much sitting around that number. There are a few spare bibs on order just in case, but the team are super pleased with the uptake for Chapter 13. Once again volunteer uptake has been really strong, we are so fortunate in that respect and our loyal team of key partners and sponsors are all in. DOC, Council, LINZ, Iwi, and landowners have all been fantastic to deal with as we nail down what is going to be an incredible course, and a great challenge.

It’s an exciting time for you, the competitors. Training will be well underway. There is plenty of time to test and nail down your gear, connect with your teammates and refine the skills and conditioning that a GODZONE course always demands. One of the great things about expedition adventure racing is the enjoyment that can be had in the preparation and planning phase, especially time spent in the mountains and on the water with friends. Enjoy knowing that this is all going to set you up well for what will be an unforgettable adventure through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular and iconic country. There is a lot to look forward to.

Rob Nichol – PURE ADVENTURE Charitable Trust

GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING

If you’ve taken part in a previous Chapter of One NZ GODZONE, you’ll know things generally run smoothly. Please take a moment to review the points below and action anything that requires input to ensure your team is ready for Chapter 13. We encourage all teams, particularly team captains and administrators, to organise these items now, get them ticked off the list to ensure the best possible GODZONE experience.

TEAM FINDER

Need a fourth team member or a replacement racer? If someone in your team has been injured and can no longer race, the Team Finder may be able to help. Captains and team administrators can sign up on the Team Finder page to advertise a vacant team position, or search for potential replacements on the Team Finder Search page. Injuries, substitutions and last-minute changes are all part of expedition racing, and these tools can help connect teams with keen racers who are looking for a team to join.

MEDICAL FORMS REMINDER

All Chapter 13 competitors are required to complete the official GZ online medical form before the event. This information must be submitted by January 1, 2027, ahead of the event start date of February 25, 2027, to allow the safety team and race medics sufficient time to review the information and identify any specific medical considerations for individual athletes.
All information provided will be treated as confidential.
Please follow the link to access and complete the online form by January 1, 2027.

PLB NUMBER REMINDER

All teams must carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or emergency beacon as part of their mandatory race kit for Chapter 13 of GODZONE. Your team’s PLB must be carried in addition to the YB GPS Tracker that will be provided by the race organisation at race registration. Instructions on the use of both devices will be covered at the pre-race briefing and gear check. All teams must enter their Team Personal Locator Beacon Hex ID or UIN (15-character alphanumeric code) on their Team Information page online. Please ensure this information is entered prior to race start.

THE MACKENZIE COUNTRY

The Mackenzie Country boasts some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes, with vast high-country sheep stations, turquoise glacial lakes such as Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, and breathtaking views of Aoraki / Mount Cook. Named after James Mackenzie, a 1950s Scottish shepherd and alleged sheep hustler, the region is a premiere destination for hiking, tramping, mountain biking and stargazing as you are inside the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

To help plan your team’s trip to the region and post-event activities, please find a helpful guide to the region here. Accommodation is at a premium during the summer months so we encourage you to get organised and ensure your team has somewhere to stay pre and post GODZONE here.

A COURSE UPDATE

Both the Pure and Pursuit courses are coming together really well. Part of the enjoyment of this kind of expedition racing is waiting to the last moment to discover where the course is actually going, so not a lot to share at this stage. Take note of the specialist mountaineering gear required and know that the course will incorporate pretty much something of everything, both in terms of terrain and in terms of disciplines and skills. The expected winning times are somewhere between 4 and 5 days for both courses, subject to change, the vagaries of the weather and river flows, etc. But, it serves as a guide. Unless you are short-coursed, there will be 7-8 transitions, all of which will be supported at this stage.

Note: We do encourage those who haven’t had much experience to reach out for advice from those who have. There are some longer segments of advice in Newsletter 1, however, here is a bit of general advice for Chapter 13 (which could easily be applied to every Chapter of GODZONE):

• Navigation is important. Navigating at night is much harder than during the day. Make sure you practice beforehand, and do so in the mountains
• Trekking distances are always long at GODZONE and time on your feet will make up a good part of your time during the race. Get your feet robust enough to go the distance and make sure you’re aware of how to mitigate issues early, and if need be fixing problems should they arise
• Take your water training seriously. Remember that we provide water safety in specific locations but the vast majority of water sections are unmanned and for most stages it is your team’s responsibility to make good decisions, identify and avoid hazards, observe rapids before you run them and be aware of other water users
• On that note, you will be paddling in some areas which other watercraft use frequently. Be safe. Be visible. Be respectful. Remember that you are quite small on the water and don’t travel very fast. Stay out of the way of other boats and ensure that you are following the race rules in regards to lighting and glow stick use as set out in the race rules (more specific information will be provided to teams in the Race Handbook given out at Registration)
• We have notified you of some specialist mountaineering gear that will be required at Chapter 13. Please make sure you have taken the time to both learn how to use it, and practiced using it, before the race

MANDATORY GEAR UPDATE

Please see below for a brief overview of new items that have been added to the Mandatory Gear List. We recommend you visit the MGL to get more specific information on the items required. Both Pure and Pursuit teams are required to bring these items. If you have any specific questions, please email Keren. There have been no other changes to the MGL.

• Boots (Minimum B1 rating)
• Crampons (Minimum C1 rating)
• Ice Axe (Standard walking axe with a minimum length of 50cm)
• Climbing/Mountaineering Helmet (Must be climbing/mountaineering certified, no bike or whitewater specific helmets)
• Harness (Must have a belt/buckle closing mechanism)
• Progress Traction/Mini Ascender (Eg. Micro-Traxion or similar)
• Double Lanyard with 3 Locking Carabiners (See MGL for more specific information)

MACPAC PRO DEALS FOR CHAPTER 13 COMPETITORS

Macpac is proud to be the Exclusive Apparel and Pack Provider of One NZ GODZONE – New Zealand’s ultimate adventure race. As a competitor, top-tier gear designed to go the distance is crucial. Whether you’re deep in training or just getting started, our exclusive Macpac Pro Deal has you covered with really good prices on all your GODZONE essentials. Check your inbox for an email from the Macpac Pro Deal team on how to redeem your Pro Deal in-store. This is your chance to gear up like a pro. Explore the range, lock in your training kit, and get ready to take on GODZONE with confidence.

Don’t see your Macpac Pro Deal email in your inbox? Email Keren to follow up so you get access to the best deals in store!

Check out the Macpac GODZONE page for mandatory gear suggestions plus much more to help you prepare for the journey ahead. And while race day is still a ways off, we’re already thinking ahead, so expect some epic product surprises in your Macpac Swag Bag available on registration day.

MACPAC COMPETITOR T-SHIRTS

Thank you to everyone who submitted your T-shirt size. Your custom Chapter 13 Macpac shirt will be inside your Swag Bag to pick up at Registration.

We know team changes happen, so if you need to swap sizes around, please email Keren to check which remaining sizes are available. We have ordered spare sizes, but please note that options are limited and we will do our best to get you the best fit!

PURE ADVENTURE SPONSORED PURSUIT TEAMS

The PURE ADVENTURE Charitable Trust has extended its community team initiative for GODZONE Chapter 13, supporting five community-mentored teams selected by key race organisers to compete in the Pursuit category. The initiative started last year and aims to connect GODZONE with the wider adventure racing community and create pathways for new participants, particularly younger sportspeople, who are yet to compete at GODZONE or are working towards their first multi-day, expedition length race. These strategic partnerships span a range of community and adventure sport events, including The Hillary Challenge, Spring Challenge, Kaikōura Adventure Race, Southland Triathlon & Multisport Club and the Coast to Coast.

PURE ADVENTURE trustee Rob Nichol says: “This initiative honours the legacy of adventure racing across New Zealand while supporting the next generation of racers. It offers a meaningful opportunity for people who might not otherwise have had the chance to take on GODZONE. The selected teams will represent their communities by racing under the names of their partner adventure-racing events.”

SIXT RENT A CAR IS BACK FOR CHAPTER 13

SIXT NZ is back on board as the official rental car partner of One NZ GODZONE for Chapter 13. A leader in premium mobility, SIXT is ready to go the distance with GODZONE. Behind the scenes, Volkswagen Amarok utes will provide vehicle support for GODZONE operations, helping the event team keep things moving throughout the adventure. Built for capability and ready for the demands of the road ahead, the Amaroks are right at home supporting one of New Zealand’s ultimate adventure challenges.

Competing, crewing or coming along for the adventure? GODZONE competitors, support crews and fans can save 10% on SIXT rentals with the exclusive Chapter 13 offer. Choose from a premium rental fleet featuring Volkswagen, Audi, CUPRA, Škoda, Land Rover, Geely and more, with everything from SUVs and utes to EVs. Whether you’re travelling with teammates, supporting from the sidelines or turning GODZONE into your own New Zealand road trip, SIXT has the wheels to match your adventure.

Save 10% on your GODZONE rental car with SIXT

FINAL THOUGHTS

We want to say how great it is to be staging One NZ GODZONE Chapter 13. No matter what role you play – competitor, support crew, volunteer, landowner, partner from iwi, council to DOC and LINZ,  sponsor or media – we appreciate you all and thank you for trusting the PURE ADVENTURE Charitable Trust and operational team to deliver an adventure like no other.

Finally in keeping it nice and simple, enjoy your training, prepare well as a team and if there is anything we can help you with in the interim, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We can’t wait for 2027.