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Aoraki/Mt Cook, celebrated as the home of New Zealand’s tallest mountains, has been chosen as the venue for the upcoming One NZ GODZONE Chapter 13.

One NZ GODZONE has confirmed today that Aoraki/Mt Cook and the wider Mackenzie District will serve as the location for the 13th instalment of the preeminent expedition adventure race set down for February 25 to March 5, 2027.

The prestigious global event will attract teams from throughout the country and the world, offering them the opportunity to tackle New Zealand’s highest peaks and experience the distinctive alpine landscapes of the region.

Rob Nichol, Director of One NZ GODZONE, says, “Aoraki/Mt Cook in the South Island offers big New Zealand country and massive mountain ranges that will put teams on the very edge of adventure levels that require them to totally be on their game. The region is breathtakingly beautiful with dynamic terrain that will deliver the ultimate expedition length challenge.”

The demanding non-stop event will see teams of four competing against each other, navigating a relentless eight-day course that is intended to push their skills and endurance over a distance of more than 600 kilometres.

Nichol adds, “We are thrilled to be able to stage GODZONE in such an amazing part of New Zealand, and can’t speak highly enough of the local Council, DOC, Iwi and outdoor adventure experts and locals who are helping to make this all possible,” says Nichol. “They are enthusiastic to be part of the event and completely understand the nature of GODZONE where we are creating an experience for competitors, support crew, volunteers and spectators who are hungry for real adventure.”

Former All Black Captain and New Zealand Rugby Champion Richie McCaw, alongside Nichol, and Race Director Adam Fairmaid has scouted sections of the Aoraki/Mt Cook region with the aim to design a unique route that appeals to racers globally who are eager to compete in New Zealand.

McCaw says, “This alpine environment is like no other. From the high mountain reaches down to the valley floors, rivers and lakes, there is adventure wherever you turn. We chose Aoraki/Mt Cook as the backdrop for Chapter 13 because it’s a spectacular showcase of the type of terrain that is very special to New Zealand with 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.”

“I have spent a lot of time flying gliders around Mt Cook and the mountains in the Mackenzie area and know them really well from the air,” says McCaw. “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,” says McCaw.

Mackenzie District Mayor, Scott Aronsen, has welcomed the event to his region.

“We’re excited to attract an event of this calibre that profiles the unique landscapes of our region,” says Mayor Aronsen. “We welcome all the competitors, race management and support crews to the Mackenzie Region, and look forward to watching the action unfold.”

DOC (Department of Conservation) has shown full support for One NZ GODZONE Chapter 13 being held in Aoraki and is working closely with organisers to ensure safe access through some of New Zealand’s most pristine wilderness areas.

Sally Jones, Department of Conservation Operations Manager, Aoraki/Mount Cook says, “One NZ GODZONE is an iconic and incredibly demanding adventure race, and we’re excited to be working alongside organisers, to bring it to Aoraki and wider Mackenzie landscape. This is a unique opportunity to showcase this outstanding natural landscape on the international stage. Our team will work closely with organisers and mana whenua to ensure the event is delivered safely, while protecting the special values that make this place so special.”

With the stage now set for One NZ GODZONE Chapter 13, team entries will open online on May 1 at 9am (NZ). The race organisers expect strong interest from both national and international teams eager to step up to the challenge and compete at One NZ GODZONE in 2027.

Rob Nichol says, “With the event’s wide broadcast reach, hundreds of thousands of online viewers, and a historic title up for grabs, this is a chance for teams to become part of expedition adventure racing history. We have had incredible support from our premier sponsors One NZ, Macpac, Volkswagen NZ and Sixt NZ, who are all committed to assisting the Pure Adventure Charitable Trust in advancing adventure racing for competitors of all ages into the future.”

Quick Facts
What: One NZ GODZONE Chapter 13
When: February 25 – March 5 2027
Entries: Open 9am (NZ) May 1 2026
Where: Aoraki/Mt Cook – Mackenzie District, South Island, New Zealand
Registration: Twizel / Welcome & Registration Host
Course: The 600+ km course route remains a secret until the event starts
Details: Entry details online now at www.godzoneadventure.com

For more information, interview & imagery requests, contact:
Margo Berryman
One NZ GODZONE Media Manager
P: +64 21 246 3342
E: margo@qt.co.nz www.godzonadventure.com