Epic One Day Off-Road Event
Every year, for just one day, the pristine trails of Motatapu beckon thousands of enthusiasts to partake in one of New Zealand’s most beloved off-road sporting events.
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Join us on Saturday 1 March 2025
Sustainability
We are incredibly lucky to be able to hold our mountain bike & trail run events in some of the most stunning, privately owned and protected backcountry in New Zealand. Respecting our environment and supporting our local community are integral values we want to share with all our Motatapu whānau, whether you are a competitor, volunteer, support person, staff, partner or contractor.
We look for sustainable options wherever possible and continue to support local charities, focusing on the Queenstown Trails Trust, as our major partner. We make a donate from every entry to the Trust after the event, plus the donations we receive on checkout at registration. These funds go directly back into the local trail networks, enabling the Trust to maintain and expand trails in the future.
We are also proud to work with the Mahu Whenua team and help highlight what they are doing on the Motatapu, Mt Soho and Glencoe high-country stations. The Mahu Whenua philosophy is for sustainable farming and it aptly translates to “healing the land”. They have planted over 1 million native trees, flaxes, shrubs and grasses and are pioneering a seedling programme; the eradication of pests and predators is bringing native species back from the brink in the area.
To ensure it continues, more than 90% of the land was placed under protective covenants in 2015 (The Queen Elizabeth II National Trust), making it the largest conservation undertaking on private land in New Zealand’s history.
We are privileged to work with them as they continue to restore and enhance these three iconic high-country Stations; that we are lucky to be able to race through on our event day!
John and Emily McRae from the Glendhu Bay Station have multiple sustainability projects which we are proud to be a part of. 80% of all fees from all sporting events on the Glendhu Station go back into the planting project and their efforts to become a carbon positive station.
We proudly use a local events team to bring the Motatapu to life and support our local economy, events and tourism industry. By being an active part of our community, we hope to bring positive change and welcome our race whānau to this beautiful part of Aotearoa.
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Win a Sneak Peek into the Motatapu Valley!
Here’s your chance to join the Motatapu crew for an unforgettable preview ride in January 2025! We’re offering one lucky winner and a friend the opportunity to explore the stunning course ahead of the event on a top-of-the-line Mondraker E-Bike! 🚴♀️💨
Is 2025 Your Year to Beat Your PB?
The 2025 Motatapu is shaping up to be an epic year, and it won’t be the same without you!
Welcome ASICS!
We’re thrilled to welcome ASICS as our official trail footwear partner and looking forward to putting their new trail shoes to the test across the four trail running events at Motatapu! The partnership will showcase the ASICS TRAIL footwear collection as well as offer official event merchandise, launching soon!
Welcome Rab! & Tips for Staying Cool
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We hope your summer is off to an amazing start, with longer days bringing more time for adventure!
As the holiday season approaches, we wanted to share some tips and tricks to help make your Motatapu experience even better. Check out our recommendations below, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions—we’re here to help! |
Volunteer with us!
If you can’t join us on the start line this year, but would still love a fun day out in the hills enjoying some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking scenery and helping our competitors have an awesome day, how about joining our volunteer team?
Course Highlight: UDC Finance Miners Trail
Small but Mighty: UDC Finance Miners Trail
Are you keen to be involved in the Motatapu but not a mountain biker or a marathon runner? How about a 15km run (or walk)?
Jennian Homes Junior Trail Run Medal Design Contest is back!
If you have a budding artist aged 7 to 15, we invite them to unleash their creativity and submit a design for our finisher’s medal, which was featured last year! The winning design will again be showcased on the finisher medals for the Junior event. Plus, the lucky artist will receive a FREE entry for themselves and a friend!
Take on the bucket list Motatapu Mondraker 47km Mountain Bike!
Discover one of our original and most iconic events: Motatapu Mondraker 47km Mountain Bike
Experience the breathtaking Motatapu, Soho, and Glencoe Stations on this unforgettable course.
Got your entry? Now it’s time to book your stay!
If you haven’t already, now’s the time to book your accommodation and transport!
All Motatapu courses finish in beautiful Arrowtown but most start in different locations, here’s your first tip: Check your start location and start time. Head over to the event details page for more info for your event: Event Details.
Don’t miss out before the price rise!
Just a few days remain to lock in your early entry rate* for Motatapu 2025! Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of one of New Zealand’s most iconic events.
Spotlight on the epic Ultra Run!
Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or seeking your next big challenge, this event offers an unparalleled experience that will test your endurance and reward you with stunning views.
Prepare for an epic 52km course with 3,000m of climbing over four major climbs and breathtaking scenery.
Set your summer goals now!
Need some winter motivation? Set your sights on a summer goal and kick-start your training!
Don’t miss out on an Allpress Espresso Trail Marathon entry!
Entries for Motatapu 2025 are open and are being snapped up!
The Allpress Espresso Trail Marathon Super Early pricing is already 91% sold out!
ENTRIES FOR 2025 ARE NOW OPEN!
Grab the best deal on your entry TODAY as they will sell out fast 🏃♀️
There are limited numbers of SUPER EARLY entries across our five awesome events!
Entries for 2025 open at 10am on 1 May!
SAVE THE DATE! Entries for the 2025 Motatapu open on May 1st at 10am!
Snag one of our limited SUPER EARLY entry deals by setting your alarm and securing your ticket for unforgettable summer adventure at an unbeatable price.
What a Day! Thank you!!
What an incredible day! We loved seeing thousands of ultra-keen bikers, runners and walkers taking to the hills of Wānaka and Arrowtown.
Defending Champions Top 2024 Motatapu Podiums
There were some epic battles for podium spots, while for others the day was about ticking off a bucket list achievement!
Read our full press release here.
Final Race Information!
The day is nearly here!
Check out your final pre-event athlete newsletter for 2024!
Bonus Entry Week!
We are extending the entry deadline to Thursday 29th Feb at 11:59pm! This is for every event except the Ultra run. If you are on the fence, there is still time to join us for a wonderful day at the 2024 Motatapu on 2nd March!
RACE INFORMATION
Make sure you know all of the important information needed to make it an epic day out on the course!
Check out your athlete newsletter here to view.
Jo’s epic mission!
We work very closely with Jo Booker and the team at Soho Property which manages the beautiful high country stations we are very lucky to race through; so when she told us she was raising money for the Southern Lakes Sanctuary by walking 100km a week for the entire of 2024, we thought it was amazing!
Mayumi’s Motatapu Legacy
Mayumi Saunders reflects on her annual tradition as a Motatapu volunteer, with unexpected turns, family camaraderie, and a commitment to community service.
2023 Wrap Up!
What an incredible day! Thank you for joining us across all events, we loved it too!
Jennian Homes Junior Trail Run is back!
Macpac Motatapu are thrilled to announce our newest event, the Jennian Homes Junior Trail Run to the lineup on 4th March 2023! Jennian Homes Junior Trail Run – 4km is open to children between 7 – 15 years old and will have a limited entry of 150, so we advise to sign up quick.
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