Mondraker EBike
Saturday 1 March 2025

Mondraker EBike

47km
EBike
1150m
Climb
880m
Highest Point
Glendhu Bay, Lake Wānaka
Start Line
Wilcox Green, Arrowtown
Finsh Line

Experience the iconic Motatapu, Soho, and Glencoe Stations on this achievable mountain bike course.

 

This is your once-a-year chance to E-MTB an exclusive route through the breathtaking southern high country of New Zealand.

 

Starting at Glendhu Station near Lake Wānaka and finishing in historic Arrowtown, your journey follows a path once used by early Māori for hunting, gathering, and transporting Pounamu (Greenstone). Discovered by European explorers during the 1862 gold rush, this valley is rich in history.

ENTER NOW

The 47km ride features rivers to cross, hills to climb, and a few steep descents, making it an achievable challenge for all riders. The course comprises 30% well-maintained gravel road, 55% 4WD farm track with a gravel surface, and 7% 4WD farm track with a grass surface.

This ride caters to all skill levels, with the everyday recreational rider truly embodying the event’s spirit.

For over two decades, mountain bikers from New Zealand and beyond have been racing the Motatapu. Now it’s your turn to embrace the adventure. Sign up today and take on the challenge!

ENTER NOW

Course Map

Event Details

Entry Fee View Entry Fees here
Event Date Saturday 1 March 2025
Distance 47km
Start Line Glendhu Bay, Lake Wānaka
Finish Line Wilcox Green, Arrowtown
Start Times
  • 7:55am: E-MTB Competitive (group start)
  • From 8:30am – E-MTB Recreational can begin
  • 8:45am – Final athletes must have started on course

The Ebike Competitive category is limited to the first 40 riders to enter and qualify. To qualify for the Ebike Competitive category you must have a previous Motatapu time that fits the below criteria OR provide evidence from other events of suitability for Ebike Competitive;

Riders in the Recreational category can start from 8.30am in a self-seeding, controlled rolling start format. The rolling start allows for a slow release of athletes over the start line. You must start in the chute relevant to your capability (signage will direct you).

Categories E-BIKE Competitive: Male or Female 16+yrs

The Competitive start wave is limited to the first 40 riders to enter and qualify. To qualify for the Ebike Competitive category you must have a previous Motatapu time that fits the below criteria. If you are a first timer, then email us at [email protected] with previous results (either Ebike or analogue).

  • Male – previous time under 2:45:00
  • Female – previous time under 3:15:00

E-BIKE Recreational: All other E-Bikers. This is a non-competitive category(not a race). It is created for those who would not be able to bike through on a regular bike to experience the once-a-year access in the Motatapu Valley

Minimum Age Must be 16 years of age on race day to compete.
Placegetter Awards A short presentation ceremony for the overall top 3 male and female placegetters in the Competitive category will be held at the finish line as soon as all 6 athletes have completed the event.
Spot prizes All competitors are eligible for a spot prize, which will be randomly drawn. A list of winners will be available at the Winner’s Lounge and on the Motatapu App. If your race number is showing on the list, then head along to the Winner’s Lounge tent and show your race number to collect your prize. The Winner’s Lounge will be open from 11am until 8pm in the finish area of Wilcox Green, Arrowtown.
Mandatory Gear & Bike checklist Click here to view the requirements
Athlete Check-In Friday 28 February, 3:00pm – 7:00pm, Wilcox Green, Arrowtown (optional)

Saturday 1 March, 6:30am – 8:40am, Glendhu Bay, Wānaka

Collect your race plate at Athlete check-in.

Cut-off Times Cut-off at Aid Station 1 (14km from start line) – 11:15am. Athletes missing this cut-off will return to Glendhu Bay with the event crew.

Cut-off at Aid Station 2 (22km from start line) – 12:45pm. Athletes missing this cut-off will return to Glendhu Bay with the event crew.

Course cut off – 4:00pm

Cut-off times will be strictly enforced, noting the time listed is the time you must be leaving the Aid Station, not arriving, and then stopping for 15 minutes.

Race Briefing There will be a race briefing before you start. You must attend your race briefing. It will include up-to-date course and weather conditions. The briefing will be based on you having read all the information emailed to you about the event.

Mandatory Gear & Bike Checklists

The Motatapu mandatory gear & bike list contains what we believe is the absolute minimum to keep you safe in the alpine environment.  The weather is very unpredictable in the high country, a front can blow in and out of the mountains in less than 12 hours. It has been both sweltering hot and freezing cold in this area during March so you should be well prepared with all the necessary gear for all conditions, including snow, due to the high elevation of this event.

All competitors must carry the mandatory gear at all times during race day. No mandatory gear = no start!

All mountain bike competitors must ensure their bike is up to standard as per the bike checklist.  All EBike Competitive riders will have their bikes checked at the start line to ensure they meet the Ebike-specific rules.

Officials can randomly check bikes (if applicable) and gear at any point during the event, including at the start and finish line. Officials have the right to stop an athlete for not adhering to the mandatory checklists. Any infringements may result in disqualification or removal from the event.

Mountain Bike entrants are not required to complete a bike check at a bike check store, however, we highly recommend booking a bike service with your local bike shop pre and post-event to ensure your bike is in top condition. Regular bike maintenance will increase the longevity of your bike’s life, minimise breakdowns and be easier on your pocket in the long run.

Start Line - Glendhu Bay

The following facilities are available at the Glendhu Bay start line, an Info Tent, toilets, parking, and a coffee vendor!

Please follow the directions of traffic marshals as to where to park. All vehicles are treated as parking and there is no drop-off area.

Please note that there will be heavy traffic flows heading towards Glendhu Bay on the event day.  Please factor this into your travel time and take extreme care, watching for sudden stops in traffic.Mountain Bike Start Area

 

Aid Stations

The 47km Mountain Bike has three self-service Aid Stations evenly spaced along the course. Refer to the course map for exact locations. Aid Stations will have water and PURE electrolyte hydration drink. Please note that the Aid Stations are predominately for the Trail Marathon runners, Mountain Bikers should be carrying what they need to complete the event. All Aid Stations are cup-free, you can refill your vessels at the Aid Stations.

There are no charging stations at the Aid Stations. You need to manage your battery usage throughout the event.

**Please note: While we are here to help, please ensure you carry enough food and drink to get you through your race.

Bike Mechanics

While you must still carry the required competitor gear and ensure that you know how to use it, there will be mechanics riding the course, should you need assistance. They also stop at each Aid Station to see if anyone requires assistance. They will be identifiable with ‘Mechanic’ number plates.

Finish Line - Arrowtown

The finish line for all events is located at Wilcox Green, next to Nairn Street, in the heart of Arrowtown. The Finish area will offer the full post-race experience; where you can relax, soak up the atmosphere, appreciate a well-earned massage, refuel, and enjoy celebrating your achievement with friends and family. Make a day of it enjoying the local flavours of the region, with plenty of delicious food stalls, beer, and entertainment; whilst cheering on other finishers throughout the day.

 

Motatapu event finish line map

Athlete Responsibility

Participation in this event requires athletes to acknowledge and accept the event waiver during the entry process. The waiver can be reviewed in advance here. Please note that if you do not accept the waiver, we are unable to accept your entry.

This event takes place in a remote, mountainous alpine environment where weather conditions can change rapidly. Within just 12 hours, temperatures may swing from sweltering heat to freezing cold. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, it is essential to come well-prepared with gear suitable for all possible conditions.

Key Considerations:

  • Remote Course: The course traverses areas not publicly accessible, meaning supporters cannot accompany you or cheer you on at any location (except at the finish line).
  • No Quick Exits: If you choose to withdraw from the event, you must either retrace your steps or continue along the course to the nearest aid station. There are no shortcuts or fast exit routes.
  • Non-Critical Injuries: If you experience a non-critical injury or breakdown, you may need to remain at an aid station until the end of the event day. This could mean waiting for several hours. In such cases, we recommend putting on your mandatory gear, as your body temperature can drop quickly once you stop moving. Where possible, we will contact the emergency contact provided on your entry form to inform them of your situation.

Fitness & Preparedness

Participation in this event requires a significant level of fitness and endurance. Athletes are solely responsible for ensuring they are adequately conditioned to complete the event and meet the designated cut-off times.

We strongly recommend consulting with your physician to determine whether participation is appropriate based on your health and fitness levels.

By entering, you acknowledge and accept full responsibility for your preparation, performance, and safety before, during, and after the event.

Race Rules

Click here to view the Race Rules

Below are the Ebike specific rules

    • Pedal-assisted E-Mountain Bikes only with an auxiliary electric motor with a maximum power not exceeding 300W (not watt hours) as required by New Zealand law. Those in the EBike Competitive category will be checked by a bike mechanic at the start line for compliance.

    • Battery assistance up to 32kph

    • Batteries must hold a sufficient charge for a minimum of 47km.

    • Riders can only use the battery(s) in place on their bike at the start and cannot carry an additional battery during the event. We highly recommend staying in eco mode to make it all the way through.

    • E-Bikers must have a bike bell to use when approaching other bikers and runners and only overtake when it is safe to do so.

    • E-Bike riders cannot start on the course before 8:30am.

    • E-Bikes must be up to the recommended bike check standard.

    • Riders in the EBike Competitive category will require a bike check before race start.

    • E-Bike riders must have intermediate mountain bike skills.

    • Please be respectful on the course. Only overtake when it is safe and in a courteous area to do so.

    • We recommend that you check with your dealer directly on suitability. The bikes will have to make their way through ~10 small creek crossings and 11 crossings of the Arrow River which is roughly mid-shin in depth. They will get wet.

Photo Gallery

Partners

Subscription Form
Copyright ©2024 Motatapu Events Ltd, All Rights Reserved