Southern Lakes Region
Queenstown
Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s top visitor destinations and if you come to the region you’ll understand why. The picturesque town is nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges.
The lake and mountain landscape make it suited to all kinds of adventure, and in November the longer spring days provide lots of daylight hours to explore. Adrenalin activities such as bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting are there to temps the adventurous, but if hardcore adventure isn’t your thing, there are plenty of mellow options available.
Arrowtown
You’ll be enchanted by Historic Arrowtown, a New Zealand treasure, with its beautiful buildings and famed nature trails. It is a scenic 25 minute drive from Queenstown, and a popular winter base for international ski teams. Arrowtown is charming and quirky – a delightful gold rush village nestled below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River.
The heart of its history is Buckingham Street, a procession of small town heritage buildings that stretch into a tree lined avenue of tiny miners’ cottages. It is a wonderful place to browse and relax, enjoying the dining, the shopping, and soaking up Arrowtown’s lively heritage.
Wānaka
Lake Wānaka lies at the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, a pristine environment of striking mountains and deep alpine lakes and an area of spectacular natural beauty.
On the edge of a pristine alpine lake, surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Mount Aspiring National Park, Lake Wānaka is the ideal destination for both outdoor adventures and soothing relaxation. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a multitude of activities from trekking in the National Park to mountain biking, rock climbing to kayaking.
Cromwell
Nestled in the heart of Central Otago, Cromwell is surrounded by rugged mountains, two magnificent rivers, and the crystal clear waters of Lake Dunstan, you will be awe-inspired by the natural beauty of this idyllic town.
With Cromwell’s central location (1hr from Glendhu Bay, 40mins from Arrowtown), you will have the chance to explore the wider Central Otago region with ease with Cromwell as your base.
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.
Partners
