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For the first time ever, GODZone has included white water rafting as part of the course.

Day Two saw the leading teams rise at dawn to get a head-start on the Shotover River, after a Dark Zone was lifted at 6.45am.

“The rafting section will really wake the teams up as there are some massive rapids. Race Director Warren Bates says. “It’s thanks to Queenstown Rafting who are one of the originals to commercially raft in New Zealand that we have been able to include it.”

The Shotover River is graded 3 – 5 (5 is the highest grade commercially in the world) and is considered the hardest river to raft and navigate in the Queenstown area.

“Some of the rapids on this river have fairly exhilarating names like Aftershock, Squeeze, Toilet, Pinball and Jaws – to name a few. Everyone is going to have a blast with the Queenstown Rafting guides providing excellent professional support along the way,” says Bates.

Spectators and support crews will be eagerly awaiting the first Pursuit teams expected to arrive at the fourth transition area in Arthurs Point sometime after 8am.

This year, the course has more water challenges than ever before, with kayaking, canoeing, rafting and gorgeering sections.

“Feet will be a major problem for competitors this year.” Course Advisor Ian Edmond warns, “As well as all the water activities, there are lots of river crossings and water underfoot on the treks. Today will see a fair few sore feet as they walk through the Bullendale Track, which is waterlogged and tricky to get a firm footing.”