Motatapu Off-Road Event

Motatapu Off-Road Event The Motatapu Event is NZ’s premier off-road sporting event, featuring mountain biking and trail running. Join us for an unforgettable adventure through the stunning Motatapu Valley!

Join us for an unforgettable adventure through the stunning Motatapu Valley!
We will be back on 7th March 2026.
The Motatapu is a bucket list event with the following awesome events offering challenging yet achievable courses:

47km Mondraker Mountain Bike (e-bike option available)
42km Allpress Espresso Trail Marathon
15km UDC Finance Miners Trail
52km Rab Ultra Run
4km Jennian Homes Junior Trail Run

Held on one epic day, it is your one chance a year to experience the breathtaking high country terrain and traverse the Motatapu, Soho and Glencoe Stations between Wanaka and Queenstown. It’s a bucket-list off-road event with challenging yet achievable courses, which attracts close to 4000 participants a year. The Motatapu is a hugely enjoyable and social event, famous for its relaxed southern vibe and huge camaraderie.

We will keep you up to date with our athlete newsletters and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for great competitions, giveaways and tips on making your day epic out there!

Entries open on 1 July 2025
www.motatapu.com

River crossings? Yep.There’s a few.
08/10/2026

River crossings? Yep.
There’s a few.

07/10/2026

Ready to level up your Ultra status?

52km of rugged high-country trails through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular backcountry terrain are waiting for you.

Four peaks. Over 3,000m of climbing. Plenty of river crossings. One epic day.

From tussock-covered ridgelines to steep saddles and breathtaking views, the Rab Ultra is an experience you’ll be proud of long after you cross the finish line.

📅 6 March 2027
🏃 52km Rab Ultra
⛰️ 3,300m+ elevation gain
📍 Wānaka → Arrowtown

Ready to see what you’re capable of?
👉 Enter now at motatapu.com

EXCUSE #5: “I don’t fancy spending hours chafing.”Yeah, no one wants that.Good thing Sweet Cheeks has got you covered.A...
06/10/2026

EXCUSE #5: “I don’t fancy spending hours chafing.”
Yeah, no one wants that.

Good thing Sweet Cheeks has got you covered.

And that’s just part of the Ultimate Motatapu Experience.

Head to motatapu.com/competition and get yourself in the draw.

Motatapu 2027 | Saturday 6 March

It’s not all about chasing the clock on the Miners Trail.Thanks to UDC Finance, there is a perfectly timed pit stop to r...
06/10/2026

It’s not all about chasing the clock on the Miners Trail.

Thanks to UDC Finance, there is a perfectly timed pit stop to reset the lungs, grab a breather between climbs, and momentarily distract you from the fire in your quads. 😅🏔️

MEET THE TRAIL LEGENDS: EDWARD EATON 🏃‍♂️Christchurch-based trail and ultra runner, NZ Long Course Trail Champion and so...
04/10/2026

MEET THE TRAIL LEGENDS: EDWARD EATON 🏃‍♂️

Christchurch-based trail and ultra runner, NZ Long Course Trail Champion and someone who is happiest spending a long day out in the hills.

Ed has raced everything from trail marathons to 100km ultras, but Arrowtown and the surrounding trails are his ultimate happy place.

So it’s no surprise he keeps coming back.

2027 will be Ed’s third consecutive Motatapu Trail Marathon. Third time’s the charm? 👀



EXCUSE #4: “I don’t have a jacket that meets the mandatory gear requirements.”We’ve got a solution.The Ultimate Motatap...
02/10/2026

EXCUSE #4: “I don’t have a jacket that meets the mandatory gear requirements.”

We’ve got a solution.

The Ultimate Motatapu Experience includes a Rab jacket, so you can tick that one off the list.

And that’s just part of the Ultimate Motatapu Experience.

Head to motatapu.com/competition and get yourself in the draw.

Motatapu 2027 | Saturday 6 March
Rab NZ

Start line support crew vibes 👏🚴⛰️
02/10/2026

Start line support crew vibes 👏🚴⛰️

MEET THE TRAIL LEGENDS: ZARA MACKLEY 🚵‍♀️Growing up watching her dad and his mates race at Motatapu, Zara spent hours ha...
30/09/2026

MEET THE TRAIL LEGENDS: ZARA MACKLEY 🚵‍♀️

Growing up watching her dad and his mates race at Motatapu, Zara spent hours hanging around the final river crossing, watching the riders come through and thinking I want to be out there.

At 12, she convinced her dad to try and get her an entry, and despite being 'too young', and loved every second of it. (Yes, an age exemption was made that year!)

She later set herself the goal of racing elite by the time she finished high school. At 17, she came back and podiumed overall.

Fast forward to 2027 and Zara will be back on the start line for her fifth Motatapu MTB.

Welcome back, Zara. 🤘

29/09/2026

Rolling into the final day of early rates. ⛰️

Today is the day to lock in your spot before entry fees go up.

Who’s in?

Motatapu 2027
Saturday 6 March

EXCUSE 3: “I need new shoes.”All good. We’ve got you. 👟How about a $320 Asics voucher to choose from their epic trail ra...
28/09/2026

EXCUSE 3: “I need new shoes.”

All good. We’ve got you. 👟

How about a $320 Asics voucher to choose from their epic trail range?

And that’s just part of the Ultimate Motatapu Experience.

Head to motatapu.com/competition and get yourself in the draw.

Motatapu 2027 | Saturday 6 March

Address

49 Buckingham Street
Queenstown
9302

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