Motatapu

Motatapu Mountain Bike & Trail Run events

Motatapu is a one-day off-road event in the Queenstown Lakes district, staged through private high-country stations between Lake Wānaka and Arrowtown. The programme includes mountain bike, trail running and walking events that use tracks and farm trails on Motatapu, Soho and Glencoe stations, opened to the public for the event.

The Trail Marathon covers a 42.2 km course with 1050 m cumulative climb and finishes at Wilcox Green, Arrowtown. The marathon course includes river crossings, gravel 4WD tracks, the Macetown Track and multiple aid stations. Aid stations offer toilets, water, PURE electrolyte drink and Clif Power Bars; they are cup-free and athletes must refill their own vessels.

The event enforces mandatory gear for alpine conditions; all competitors must carry the required kit and will face gear checks. Marathon entrants must meet course cut-off points and attend a pre-race briefing. Transport is used to move athletes to remote start locations; some start lines have no public vehicle access.

Organisers report ongoing sustainability work with local landowners and conservation partners, including donations to the Queenstown Trails Trust and support for native planting and pest control on the high-country stations. Motatapu also presents multiple race categories and a junior trail run for younger participants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

• Emerson’s Mountain Bike - 47 km, 1150 m climb
• Trail Marathon - 42 km, 1050 m climb
• UDC Finance Miners Trail Run - 15 km
• Rab Ultra Run - 52 km
• Jennian Homes Junior Trail Run - 4 km

Events nearby