Motatapu

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday and made it such an incredible day! The very first Motatapu was held in 2005 so you could say that this year we were celebrating our 21st birthday, check out the video to see highlights from the day.

We hope you’ll be ready to join us again for another epic day of running, walking and biking for New Zealand’s biggest off-road sporting event. Motatapu 2026 will take place on Saturday 7 March and entries open on 1 July 2025 – mark the date in the diary!

Motatapu 2026:  Races include:

• 47km Mountain Bike (includes an e-bike option): Ride through the stunning Motatapu, Soho, and Glencoe Stations on a challenging course with river crossings, climbs, and descents. This 47km ride is only accessible once a year during the Motatapu.
• 42km Trail Marathon (run & walk options): Run or walk through the magnificent high country of Motatapu, Soho, and Glencoe Stations, crossing rivers, climbing hills, and taking in breathtaking valley views. Only accessible during the Motatapu event.
• 15km Miners Trail (run & walk options): A scenic loop starting from Arrowtown, climbing Tobin’s Track and traversing Glencoe Station, offering spectacular views and a taste of New Zealand’s rugged beauty.
• 52.5km Ultra Run: Traverse the challenging ridges and valleys of the Harris Mountain Range, covering 52km of exposed back-country terrain with 3000m of climbing over four major ascents, for an unforgettable adventure.
• 4km Junior Run: A fun, 4km trail run designed for kids aged 7-15.