HUGE Donation to Queenstown Trails Trust

We’re thrilled to announce that thanks to your participation and support this year’s event has contributed $15,396 to local charities!

Queenstown Trails Trust (QTT) has been the official charity partner of Motatapu for over a decade and every year a portion of competitors’ entry fees goes towards supporting the trust’s work. Many of you also kindly make an extra donation when you sign up for the race. This year we have been able to donate $13,396 and this funding will support the trust’s mission of planning, developing, and maintaining more than 200km of trails across the Whakatipu Basin.

We’re sure you’ll agree, the trust has done fantastic work in our region, and we’re proud to help them continue that in the years to come.

As well as enhancing the trail network so that more people have access to explore the backcountry, QTT is focused on having a positive impact on the environment. They work closely with Southern Lakes Sanctuary who use the trails for predator control work to help protect New Zealand’s native birds. This year, we’re thrilled to donate $1000 to Southern Lakes Sanctuary on behalf of our age group placegetters.

In addition, we’d like to acknowledge the crucial role of the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust and the Otago Rescue Helicopter team.

The Otago Rescue Helicopter provides an invaluable service and we are extremely grateful to have their support during our event. The Lakes District Air Rescue Trust offers vital financial assistance to the Otago Rescue Helicopter, helping to supply crucial rescue and medical equipment that government agencies do not cover.  We’re pleased to donate $1000 to the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust in appreciation.

Thank you again for being part of our event, we hope to see you back again next year!

Gemma Peskett

Race Director and Co-owner

Mark it in the diary! Race day 2026 will be…

Saturday 7 March 2026!

Entries will open on 1 July 2025

Save the date!