The One NZ GODZONE Chapter 12 finish line is buzzing at Shelly Beach in Picton today, with leading Pure Team 7 Rab winning the race in a finish time of 6 days, 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Sophie Hart, Chris Forne, Simone Maier and Sam Clark were welcomed by a large crowd of friends, family and supporters. Across the line, team captain Chris Forne described the race as the toughest one to date.

"My feelings, by comparison to other GODZONE chapters, are that this was probably the toughest course because of the length and physical nature. It was a big course with a lot of weight carried over high vertical areas, a lot of physical on the ground, and that does wear you down, so by the end the team is moving slower."

Rab was the only team to finish the entire 613km course, except for not climbing Mt Stokes on the stage 7 packraft and trek due to a weather call directive by race officials.

Forne said: "I really enjoyed this course, there was good variety from travelling way out in the Molesworth's area, which was quite special, then through a red hill area, down the Pelorus- it was exciting to get out to those places, having not done much in this region before."

Second-placed Tiki Tour were stoked to make the finish line in Picton with some great memories behind them.

Mike Kelly said: "Mt Barometer on the first big trek stage was knarly. Then, on the next big hike-a-bike over Acheron, we probably underestimated the time out on that stage, and the team got down to two bottles of water. The race was starting to bite us pretty hard, and Tiki Tour was looking a bit sad by the time we got down the Wairau river."

"I think we questioned making it at one stage, but then getting to the finish line you're just amazed because you've pulled yourself out of the shit times, the laughter and the realisation of what's actually achieved as a team is amazing."

Third place went to the Nelson Vets Gearshop led by Brendan Hickman.

"We said early on that this would be a race of nutrition," said team captain Brendan Hickman. "Marlborough cannot be underestimated as a region; it was pretty awesome and very tough."

The top podium for the Pursuit category was Kaikoura Adventure U20, with the second-placed team being Southland Tri 6+6, and the third-placed team being Gizzy Gully Runners.

Race Director Adam Fairmaid says teams have reported plenty of hard moments during the race, but mostly kept it together, and things stayed consistent.

"I think it's been a tough course for some teams, but when GODZONE relaunched, we said it would be hard, and that's what's been delivered. Overall, it's been a great race in Marlborough, the region has been so welcoming, and the racers have got to see this very special part of New Zealand."

The Marlborough Sounds truly revealed their splendour on day six of the One NZ GODZONE adventure. The expedition has pushed further, with teams now spread across 250km of the 613km journey.

The lead team, Rab, arrived at Elaine Bay mid-morning, having just completed an exhausting all-night ride along the Nydia Archer's 80 km trail through the Pelorus Sounds, demonstrating impressive stamina and determination.

At the Elaine Bay transition, Rab team captain Chris Forne reflected on the night's challenges, noting that the tough conditions on the Nydia trail had helped keep the team alert throughout the night.

"There should be a higher percentage of paddling and a lower percentage of trekking on this next stage – that's my take - which will be really quite nice rather than going up and down too many hills," said Forne.

The team wasted no time at the transition area, hitting the waters of Tennyson Inlet just after 11 am to begin the second-to-last stage packrafting and trekking to Kenerpuru Head Camp. Sophie Hart took the lead as the team navigated their packrafts around to Maitia Bay. From there, they embarked on a demanding 9 km trek, ascending to 900 metres to reach checkpoint 16, then descending to Shag Cove to continue to packraft.

Chris Forne said the team's flexible approach to sleep strategy would come into effect on the upcoming leg.

"We always play on how everyone's feeling and might have a one hour of sleep out there, but it depends on how long the stage takes. Or we might do some 20-minute power naps – we don't have a set plan and will see how everyone is feeling."

On the chasing team, Fear Youth, Forne said the young teams' duelling had been impressive.

"We didn't expect to have such close competition from them. It's really been quite exciting and fun to have a bit of a battle. Up until they made that nav mistake on the last trek, I think they were slightly ahead of us for some time. It will be interesting to see how it all pans out."

Meanwhile, Queenstown's Tiki Tour has continued holding third position over the past 24 hours. Having just transitioned off the Pelorus River packraft in the early morning, the team said they had run low on food and while weary were determined to press on.

Mike Kelly said; "it's been a challenging course with big hills and pretty epic country. I have loved it."

Fellow teammate Ally Wilson admitted that the magnitude of the course felt overwhelming at times. "Usually when you get to this part of the race, you can see the finish in sight, but right now, it feels like we can't see the end at all."

Race officials announced a course change at midday due to adverse weather conditions.

"Effective straight away, no further teams will be permitted to travel through Elaine Bay or the outer reaches of the Marlborough Sounds," said Race Director Adam Fairmaid. "Instead, teams reaching Butchers Flat Creek transition from now on must take an amended full course route. This revised route mirrors the Pursuit course of a packraft and trek via Mt Stokes and Kenerpuru to the finish line in Picton. First teams are expected sometime on Wednesday."

Follow live GPS tracking here: www.godzoneadventure.com

The battle for supremacy continues to impress at One NZ GODZONE today with adventure racing champions team Rabs, Chris Forne, Sophie Hart, Simone Maier with Sam Clark moving ahead of their youthful rival's team Fear Youth after the young team made a critical route choice that cost them the lead overnight.

In the early hours, while trekking the Stage 6 Wairau – Pelorus packraft trek in Marlborough's Richmond Ranges, Team Fear Youth followed a ridgeline to the left for several kms, only to backtrack less than an hour later.

When GODZONE media caught up with the Fear Youth team on the Pelorus River, team captain Josh Pearson said the error had cost them critical time.

'Finn, our navigator, was just cruising along the ridge track, counting clearings with the weather clagged in, so it was hard to see. We popped off the ridge and realised it wasn't the right one, so spun around to check, then decided to give it a crack anyway. That cost us around 40 minutes before no surprises, it didn't work out."

Pearson says the team has plenty of fight and are determined to push Team Rab to the very end.

"We think there is still plenty of racing to come with the last packraft leg through the Sounds pretty meaty. So, we have to set ourselves up for that, get some sleep at some point and then send it."

Team Rab's captain Chris Forne expressed interest on hearing Team Fear Youth were behind them at the take out on the Perlorus River.

"We hadn't seen anyone for a while, and I always get a little excited when there is no one about, but that's a bit of a surprise," said Forne.

The elite all-star team has collectively competed in every chapter of New Zealand's premier expedition race, One NZ GODZONE, to date, with Chris Forne and Sophie Hart members of the most victorious team.

Forne is unmatched, having forged an impressive legacy and won 10 GODZONE champion trophies. Simone Maier won GODZONE alongside Forne at Chapter 8 and is a five-time Coast to Coast champion alongside Sam Clark, who is also a multiple Coast to Coast champion.

One NZ GODZONE Race Director, Adam Fairmaid, says Rab and Fear Youth have stayed remarkably close, relentlessly trading positions and matching each other's pace.

"Neither team has managed to break away up until now, so it's been a captivating display of endurance and strategy. Everyone is glued to the GPS tracker watching this battle at the front with a significant packraft and trek stage coming up to the finish on the Marlborough Sounds."

First teams are expected across the finish line late Tuesday or early Wednesday morning.

Follow live GPS tracking here: www.godzoneadventure.com

Early morning action on the Wairau River set the pace for One NZ GODZONE's lead teams on day four of the 613km expedition race in Marlborough.

The race resumed its intensity for the two leading teams, Team Rab and Team Fear Youth, who overnight were neck and neck as they pack-rafted the Wairau River after completing a canyoning section at St Ronan's Well near the Rainbow Ski Field yesterday afternoon.

The teams were forced to sleep on the riverbank when a dark zone kicked in at 8.30pm last night.

"That dark zone was lifted at 5.45am, signalling the restart of the fierce competition that has been brewing between the two teams since the race started on Thursday afternoon," says One NZ GODZONE Race Director Adam Fairmaid.

"There was much intrigue as to which take-out point on the river these teams would choose to start the trek up to checkpoint 11 at Lake Chalice Hut on the Richmond Ranges. They both took completely different routes, and for Fear Youth, this has paid off, who are now tracking approximately 6 – 8kms ahead of Team Rab."

The Wairau – Pelorus packraft and trek stage is a lengthy 129km and expected to take fast teams up to 30 hours to complete.

"There is an abundance of route options available as teams progress from Checkpoint 11 at Lake Chalice to Checkpoint 12 at Middy Creek Hut, and onwards to Checkpoint 13 at Bryants Stream. The variety in possible approaches means strategic decision-making will play a significant role in determining which teams gain an advantage during this stage."

Queenstown's team Tiki Tour is currently in third position. Local team Isabel Marlborough has withdrawn this afternoon leaving the fourth team position wide open for teams AWS Legal, Motueka High, and Nelson Vets Gearshop.

While the leaders forged ahead, the rest of the field steadily made their way over the Acheron Saddle on stage four's mountain biking leg. Teams further back were still arriving at Transition Area 3 (TA3) this morning. As the day draws to a close, the gap between teams is expected to widen, with those at the rear striving to reach the canyoning stage tonight.

Follow live GPS tracking here: www.godzoneadventure.com

It's been a game of two halves on day three of One NZ GODZONE as the race moves into the second quarter of the extensive 613km course through the Marlborough region.

Sophie Hart, Chris Forne, Sam Clark and Simone Maier of Team Rab have taken the lead at One NZ GODZONE in the last hour as Molly Spark from Team Fear Youth suffered a flat tyre on the 133km Stage 4 mountain bike over the 1566m Acheron Saddle.

"The bike ride was terrible but fun," said Molly Spark. "It was quite big, going up 800 meters and then dropping down. We would ride 2 meters, then get off our bikes, and this was repeated about 300 times across rivers and ruts. I have never had a flat tyre before but got one today right behind Team Rab - the boys fixed it fast, and we got going again."

The lead teams have pushed hard all day to make it through to the canyoning section at St Ronan's Well in the Wairau Valley, which is expected to take teams around two hours to complete, in the hope of getting onto the Wairau River before the dark zone kicks in at 8.30pm tonight.

"The dark zone will require the teams to camp on the side river from 8:30pm – 5:45am, so it's critical that these lead teams get onto the water so the chase teams do not catch them," says race director Adam Fairmaid.

"Teams Tiki Tour and Isabel Marlborough will be wanting to complete the canyoning overnight, ready to paddle first thing in the morning. It's a pinch point that could split the race wide open," he says.

Meanwhile, teams still back on the Stage 3 trekking at Avon Valley Lodge have made slow progress, with some expected to spend their second night out in the mountains.

"These teams are tracking about 6 hours behind our estimated times," says Fairmaid. So, it's slower progress than expected, but there are some relatively newbies who might be finding the pace a challenge.

"It's been great to see young teams like Kaikoura Under 20's and AWS Legal Motueka clear this stage today, with both on their very first GODZONE. I think it's been a mixed bag for them, but inspiring nonetheless."

10 Pure teams and 9 Pursuit teams remain on the stage 3 trek. Several teams have withdrawn from the race or become unranked.

"One member of Team King Country Cockies had stomach problems and was brought down off the course with the rest of the team continuing on unranked," says Fairmaid. "Aussie team Muppets withdrew from the field but will rejoin the course at a later stage unranked, as will team The Frontrunner Richmond with three people."

In the Pursuit category, team True West have swapped out some team members, so are unranked, team True South are down to three people, and the local team, Allan Scott Family Winemakers, withdrew at TA3.

"The Pursuit team Spring Challenge are also making their way back to TA3 and expected to withdraw from the race but may be allowed to continue unranked," says Fairmaid.

Follow live GPS tracking here: www.godzoneadventure.com

There is a fierce battle developing at the front of the field on day two of One NZ GODZONE as the race moved into the 50km trekking stage of the 613km expedition high in the hills behind Marlborough.

"It's been a fascinating start to Chapter 12 with all the action on the mountainous high tops today with teams travelling through pretty rugged terrain, very exposed in places and with leading teams taking different routes along a variety of ridgelines," says race director Adam Fairmaid.

Christchurch's Josh Pearson, Fynn Mitchell, Molly Spark and Sam Anderson of Team Fear Youth charged into the lead position in the early hours, pushing ahead of GODZONE champions Chris Forne, Sophia Hart, Simone Maier and Sam Clark.

"These leading teams were initially jostling for position but quickly made some significant gains through their individual route choice," says Fairmaid. "We purposely put plenty options through this massive race stage to encourage teams to choose their own routes, and that's paid off particularly well for several of them."

The trek through the Penk Ferny mountain ranges includes Mt Barometer at 1780m, Mt Alexander, and Docters Knob, with hot conditions not slowing the leading pack of teams.

"Team Fear Youth has battled for dominance today and taking the lead position early on over Team Rab - so it's like young bulls versus older bulls," says Fairmaid. "These young guns are really taking it too Team Rab initially, starting with a different route but by noon both teams were mirroring each other."

"GODZONE is a long game and being hunted might be uncomfortable for Fear Youth, creating some self‑imposed pressure that comes with that. The Rab team are tough as old teak, and I don't expect they will be paying too much attention to Fear Youth and will continue to do their own thing."

Local Marlborough team Isabel Marlborough have stolen the march on past GODZONE winners Team Tiki Tour to move into third position, taking a central route through the hills out on their own.

"It's been interesting to watch this team's route choice that has led down onto the Penk Hut from the west side, while other teams have come around the ridge line to the southeast. It will be fascinating to see this play out on the race tracker."

Tonight, teams will continue the 50km trek before heading back to Avon Valley Lodge, where they will transition to the second bike leg of the race – a 144km mountain bike ride over the Acheron Saddle.

"I think the battle between the top two teams is fascinating with front teams racing hard for the first 24 hours with little to no sleep and now is when the wheels can start to fall off their race plan as we move into the next stage."

Follow live GPS tracking here: www.godzoneadventure.com

Anticipation soared as the starting gun signalled the launch of One New Zealand GODZONE today, unveiling a breathtaking adventure course for its twelfth epic chapter.

124 adventure racers charged off the One New Zealand GODZONE start line on the edge of Grove Arm in the Queen Charlotte Sounds this afternoon as the largest expedition race in the world got underway for its twelfth chapter.

In a dramatic start to the eight-day event, race organisers were forced to re-route the original start line location of Picton across to Ngākuta Point in the Inner Sounds after gale force winds were forecast for the Cook Straight and Picton Harbour areas.

"We were well prepared to make the starting route change due to the forecast. The amendment shortens the 31km Stage One kayak leg by about half an hour," says race director Adam Fairmaid.

31 adventure racing teams started at the line. They kayaked from Ngākuta Point across Grove Arm to the Outward-Bound centre at Anakiwa. There, they swapped kayaks for packrafts before trekking to Double Bay in Pelorus Sound. From Double Bay, teams packraft into Havelock to complete stage one of the nine-stage race.

"There are nine significant stages in this race, with some taking teams anywhere from 24-36 hours to complete. It's going to be demanding both physically and mentally, with a diverse mix of Marlborough terrain to get through," says Fairmaid.

The full-length GODZONE Pure is 613km, and GODZONE Pursuit is 524km. Teams are expected to take between five and eight days to complete the course.

"Tonight, the teams transition to mountain bikes at Havelock. Stage 2 is an 82km ride through the Waikakaho Cullen area to privately owned Avon Station in the Waihopai Valley," he says.

"This stunning high-country station features rugged mountains, diverse wildlife, and a real New Zealand backcountry adventure. Teams ascend the peaks of Ferny Gair and Barometer peaks before heading down towards the rather splendid Lake Alexander. Stage 3 covers 50km with spectacular views, ample route options, and could take some teams up to 36 hours to finish."

From there, teams head into stage four: a 144km mountain bike over the 1566m Acheron Saddle on Marlborough's Mueller Station. They bike down into Wairau Valley to finish at St Ronan's Well on the St Arnaud Range. Here, teams' complete stage 5, a two-hour guided canyoning experience. They then packraft down the Wairau River and trek‑packraft through the Richmond Ranges and Pelorus River on the 129km stage 6 of the race.

"The rivers are dark zoned from 8:45pm to 5:45am. This will be a critical point where leading teams may split the field if they can get down the river with enough daylight," says Fairmaid.

Stage 7 is an 80km mountain bike ride through the Nydia Track to Elaine Bay. Teams then start the long journey home with a 69km packraft and trek through the Outer Sounds. The final leg is from Kenepuru Head, via Te Mahia Bay, to the finish at Shelly Beach Reserve in Picton.

Fairmaid says achieving the twelfth anniversary is a significant highlight for the newly formed PURE ADVENTURE Charitable Trust, which is now behind the event.

"It's been a decade of adventure, that's for sure. When we started in 2011, we wanted to get one under our belt and then see what happened. Now, over a decade later, the event still attracts racers from all over who want a real New Zealand expedition adventure."

"All teams are carrying a GPS tracking unit with them through the entire course, and during Chapter 11, we had over 1 million unique views as people around the world followed the teams' progress over the week of racing."

Follow live GPS tracking here: www.godzoneadventure.com

New Zealand's world champion adventure racers Chris Forne, Sophie Hart and Simone Maier will line up for One NZ GODZONE next week in Marlborough alongside new team member Sam Clark to tackle the 12th chapter of the prestigious expedition event.

Together, Chris Forne and Sophie Hart are unmatched at the event, with Forne having won ten GODZONE champion trophies and Hart seven. The pair have also won multiple AR World Championships and Eco Challenge Fiji. Simone Maier is a five‑time Coast to Coast world champion and won GODZONE Chapter 8 alongside Chris Forne in Canterbury.

"Without doubt, they are the team to beat," says One NZ GODZONE Race Director Adam Fairmaid. "They are all highly competent, skilled competitors who, over the years, have exceeded all expectations at the highest level of adventure racing globally. Chris's navigational expertise is second to none, Sophie and Simone are the strongest female adventure racers to date, and no other team matches their experience and adventure racing knowledge."

The event is set to welcome adventure racers to Blenheim on Thursday, 27 November for official registration at the Marlborough Events Centre, where the start location and 615 km racecourse will be revealed.

Queenstown's team Tiki Tour, featuring Tom Lucas, Eryn Cutler, Mike Kelly, and Wellington's Alison Wilson, returns with strong experience.

"We are pleased to see Tiki Tour back, who are long‑time GODZONE adventure racers and generally highly competitive at the front of the field. They won the event back in Queenstown at Chapter 7 with a massive effort on their home turf. That was one race Chris Forne was pretty disappointed to not take out."

Naomi Whitehead, Dan Moore, Dan Busch, and Jeremy McKenzie represent Team Isabel Marlborough ‑ KLT Bayleys, bringing local expertise.

"They are a very competitive team with expert local knowledge, which will be of great advantage," says Fairmaid. "Dan Busch and Dan Moore have been in successful GODZONE‑winning teams before and are phenomenal strong competitors."

Nelson Vets Gearshop teammates Brendan Hickman, Dave Quested, Sakkie Meyer and Rachel Baker bring seasoned GODZONE experience, with team captain Hickman having won the Pursuit category at Chapter 5 in Tasman.

"Brendan Hickman is a solid performer, as is Sakkie Meyer, who is a strong guy and has featured in many GODZONE teams over the years," says Fairmaid. "Together with Dave and Rachel, this team may hold off a few teams to make the front pack."

"We are also pleased to welcome the return of Tim Farrant with his team, Kaikoura Adventure Race Over 20's. Tim is a highly experienced rogainer and repeat GODZONE offender, so I am looking forward to seeing what action he brings to Chapter 12."

Fairmaid says several young adventure racing teams are bringing fresh faces and energy to the line‑up.

"We are excited about newer adventure racing teams coming through, including team Fear Youth featuring Flynn Mitchell, Molly Spark, Sam Anderson and Josh Pearson. This team has raced GODZONE before and internationally and is currently the hottest young team on the adventure racing scene. I expect them to race solidly in Marlborough."

"The AWS Legal Motueka team, featuring Tide Fa'avae, Louie Burger, Leo Easton and Nika Rayward, has been mentored by champion adventure racer Nathan Fa'avae. They will have good navigation skills, and we hope to see them finish the full course on their first GODZONE hit out."

"In the Pursuit (shorter in length) category, we welcome the Kaikoura Adventure Race u20 team of Finn van Keulen, Max Groer, Henry Lovegrove and Isabelle Schwarzenbach, who are already showing promise with their regional racing. They could be in the running if their race plays out."

More about One NZ GODZONE

Dates: 27 November ‑ 5 December 2025

Where: Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand

Course: The 615+ km course route remains a secret until the event starts

Teams of four in the Pure & Pursuit categories race 24/7 using a map and compass to go from checkpoint to checkpoint

Deciding to bungy jump can be daunting. Shifting your mindset from “I’d never do that” to “I’m going to do this” is the first big step, but it gets even tougher when you’re standing at the platform’s edge, looking down at the rushing water, your heart pounding in your chest. Read emotive, first-person accounts inspired by real customer experiences from People Who Said They'd Never Bungy

With the support of AWS Legal, a group of talented past and present students from Motueka High School will compete in one of the world's toughest multi-day, multi-discipline adventure races, One New Zealand GODZONE, at Chapter 12 in Marlborough this November.

Leo Easton (18), Nika Rayward (19), Louie Burger (17) and Tide Fa'avae (19) are one of the youngest teams to take on the 5 - 7-day expedition event. They will do so under the guidance of multiple adventure racing world champion and a respected leader in the sport Nathan Fa’avae.

For these young adventurers, the journey to the prestigious event has been nothing short of an adventure racing fairytale, according to Fa'avae.

“In 2015, when our eldest daughter Jessie started at Motueka High, my wife Jodie launched an Adventure Club for Year 9 students to introduce them to outdoor activities and build a team capable of competing in secondary school adventure races, including the Hillary Challenge. What started as a group of 8 enthusiastic students quickly gained traction with the team participating in regional and national events.”

“Fast forward to 2019, the team earned a spot at the Hillary Challenge finals, where they finished a remarkable 3rd place. In 2020, Motueka High School returned with renewed confidence and clinched victory. The team won a second time in 2022, and in 2024, made history again by winning the Hillary Challenge with a perfect score - the highest possible achievement - with Leo, Louie, Tide and Nika making up half that team.”

Fa’avae has had a remarkable adventure racing career spanning 40 expedition-length events around the globe and, as captain of Team Avaya, won most chapters of One NZ GODZONE since its inception. He says while tempted to return to racing at the event in Marlborough, a region he considers a second home, he’s ready to turn his attention to mentoring a young team.

“I’ve accepted that my competitive days are behind me, but I still have the energy to contribute. This group includes current Motueka High School students and alumni - motivated 17 and 18-year-olds - eager to step into the GODZONE arena. Their commitment speaks volumes about the event’s mana and its ability to inspire across generations.”

“My children grew up around GODZONE. I won the first one at age 40 and the final one at 50 - it bookended that decade of my life. My youngest daughter, Tide, was five when she attended the inaugural GODZONE and will be 19 at the event. GODZONE has always been on her bucket list and now that it's back, she finally gets to participate."

“The return of GODZONE reminds us of the strength and future of adventure racing in New Zealand. It’s great to see a new generation stepping forward. When young athletes line up for GODZONE, they're not just doing a race—they're stepping into a tradition that challenges and defines people. It's the ultimate legacy event they want to be measured against.”

AWS Legal is supporting the team by sponsoring their One NZ GODZONE entry, which AWS Legal Partner Damien Pine says is an exciting step for the firm.

“The sponsorship aligns with our commitment to positively impacting our communities, particularly through participation in sport. We have learned from our involvement with One NZ GODZONE athletes over the years that mental strength and resilience are the cornerstone of their success. There is something unique in the gruelling and rewarding challenge of the race that creates extraordinary growth in the individuals who compete.”

He says by participating in the ultimate New Zealand adventure race, the young high school team will test themselves mentally and physically and, importantly, take learnings back to everyday life to set themselves up for success.

“In a time when we observe people struggling with the resilience to deal with everyday life, we wanted to help young people learn the valuable lessons that an event like One NZ GODZONE can provide firsthand. Partnering with the team and Nathan Fa'avae as a mentor is the perfect way. We are proud to support them on this journey.”

Quick Facts

What: One NZ GODZONE Chapter 12

When: November 27 - December 5, 2025.

Where: Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand 

Welcome & Registration Host: Blenheim

Course: The 650+ km course route remains a secret until the event starts

A new adventure racing charitable trust led by high-profile sportsperson Richie McCaw announces the return of One NZ GODZONE, the world’s largest expedition race.

New Zealand's preeminent expedition adventure race, One NZ GODZONE, is back on the sporting calendar after a two-year hiatus with the formation of the Pure Adventure Charitable Trust to host the iconic eight-day event in the next 12 months.

A group of high-profile sportspeople and past One NZ GODZONE competitors have instigated PACT which will be a registered charitable entity. This includes former All Black champion Richie McCaw, current New Zealand Rugby Players Association CEO Rob Nichol, world champion adventure racer Sophie Hart, One NZ GODZONE race director Adam Fairmaid, triathlete Michele Frey, AWS Legal lawyer and representative rugby coach Damien Pine and Southland adventure racers Chris Stewart and David (Ginge) Burnett.

“Most of us have raced One NZ GODZONE and got so much out of the event on a personal and sporting level that we wanted to see it return to continue the legacy,” says Pure Adventure Charitable Trust spokesperson Rob Nichol. “It’s such an incredible event that allows teams to explore vast and often untouched areas of New Zealand’s backcountry and is truly aspirational for adventure racers worldwide.”

Pure Adventure Charitable Trust’s vision is to inspire and empower people to explore and engage in the outdoors and elevate the growth and prosperity of multisport and adventure racing through hosting and supporting world-class events.

“One NZ GODZONE is one of the most celebrated adventure racing events globally, and we intend to continue this rich adventure racing legacy by bringing teams together to race at an elite level for an adventure like no other,” says Nichol.

“It will allow us to showcase the New Zealand outdoors while also providing a platform from which PACT can pursue its objectives. PACT will work alongside other events to inspire and support an increasing number of schools and students seeking to engage in multisport and the outdoors.”

Former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has competed in four chapters of One NZ GODZONE. He is front-footing the new Pure Adventure Charitable Trust alongside Nichol to see the event return to its glory days. 

"One NZ GODZONE represents the ultimate New Zealand adventure that, over a five to eight day period, absolutely tests you both mentally and physically,” says McCaw. “ It's a gruelling and rewarding challenge – one of the toughest out there - where team dynamics are critical to everyone in your team crossing the finish line which is something I personally enjoy. One NZ GODZONE has impacted my life in so many ways and continues to be an inspiration.”

Planning for the twelfth chapter of One NZ GODZONE is well underway, with PACT engaging with high-profile sponsors, regional councils and the Department of Conservation to support the event delivery.

One New Zealand has renewed its naming rights with One NZ GODZONE assisting to ensure the iconic expedition adventure race goes ahead.

“As a company, One NZ has a long history of supporting Kiwi in being their best and achieving their goals through sport and the wider outdoors. We are thrilled they are continuing their backing of the event,” says Nichol.

The Department of Conservation is supportive of the event returning under the PACT structure. DOC Acting Deputy Director-General Policy and Regulatory Services Ewan Delany says it’s fantastic One NZ GODZONE is starting up again.

“We look forward to working with the Trust to ensure the event is planned and run in a way that protects our unique landscapes and ecosystems while highlighting some of Aotearoa’s special places,” says Delany.

World champion adventure racer and PACT trustee Sophie Hart says One NZ GODZONE encourages teams to reach new heights while racing through New Zealand's pristine wilderness areas.

"A lot of people are far more capable than they give themselves credit for, and it's amazing what your body and mind can achieve with a good team beside you," says Hart. " While One NZ GODZONE requires a degree of forward planning, ultimately, it’s a seize-the-day philosophy that will get you to the start line.”

Hart is a highly successful competitor and member of team Avaya, which has dominated the sport internationally and won the One NZ GODZONE championship trophy six times. She says the Pure Adventure Charitable Trust will go a long way in supporting others in the sport.

“We want to inspire new participation in the sport of adventure racing and work to break down any barriers to entry for younger people and women in particular.”

About One NZ GODZONE

What: One NZ GODZONE is the ultimate New Zealand adventure that pitches teams of four against each other as they navigate their own route through wilderness areas on an unrelenting and unknown course. Disciplines can include mountain biking, trekking, packrafting, kayaking, ropes, abseiling & coasteering. Very few people finish the full course.

Distance: One NZ GODZONE race course spans approximately 550 – 650km and includes mandatory checkpoints and transition areas along the route where teams stop and change disciplines.

Where: One NZ GODZONE moves around New Zealand, with each chapter held in a unique regional location.

Marlborough’s richly distinctive landscapes and adventurous locations will form the backdrop for the world’s largest expedition race as the host location for One NZ GODZONE Chapter 12.

One NZ GODZONE announced today that Marlborough District Council has successfully bid for the rights to host New Zealand's most iconic adventure race next year, with race dates set for 29th February – 8th March 2024.

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor says hosting the prestigious outdoor event that brings plenty of regional economic and promotional benefits is an honour.

“We’re excited and really looking forward to hosting competitors and supporters to the One NZ GODZONE next year.”

“GODZONE competitors will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience amongst our amazing mountains, rivers, lakes and coastline. The people of Marlborough are great hosts and the GODZONE competitors and visitors will be well looked after. I am sure they will also enjoy some well-deserved post-race relaxation here in Marlborough as New Zealand’s premier wine region too.”

One NZ GODZONE consistently attracts the world's best adventure racers to compete alongside a large contingent of Kiwi and Aussie competitors. Event director Warren Bates says Marlborough is a thrilling new South Island location for competitors.

“Marlborough offers more than just incredible sunshine hours with all the ingredients for a visually stunning GODZONE chapter. We are eager to visit this region of New Zealand for the first time and expect teams to be similarly pumped.”

“There are big mountains, wild rivers, endless forests and a stunning coastline that could take a lifetime to explore. Marlborough’s dynamic terrain offers a breathtakingly beautiful adventure experience while delivering the ultimate team challenge.”

The gruelling non-stop multiday One NZ GODZONE pitches teams of four against each other as they navigate their own route across an unrelenting course that includes disciplines such as mountain biking, trekking, packrafting, ropes and coasteering.

“We won’t leave any adventure options unexplored as Marlborough is a gilt-edged opportunity to experience big country and get lost in remote locations,” says Bates. “The course will be large with supersized mountain biking and paddling sections compared to the last chapter held in Fiordland. The course distance will be north of 600km, and we anticipate the fastest team will take 4 - 5 days, with all competitors given eight and a half days to complete the full course.”

“While we can't give too much away, we can say that the paddling is more technical than Chapter 11, there will be some interesting strategic decisions to make (packrafting around the Sounds will provide limitless choices in places), and the start and finish lines are two different locations creating a proper linear journey.”

Bates says there is a significant rise in younger adventure racers stepping up to One NZ GODZONE, with the return of internationals and a record number of Pursuit (shorter course) teams.

“A new generation of adventure racers is upon us, which is heartening. They’ve watched, they've cut their teeth on races around the country, and now decided to step up and give GODZONE a crack. Marlborough will be an exciting proposition for new and experienced teams alike.”

Marlborough District Council regional events advisor Samantha Young says it’s exciting for the region to welcome the unique event next year with plenty on offer for all those involved.

“Adventurers young and old are spoilt for choice here in Marlborough with stunning landscapes, beautiful vistas and spectacular natural backgrounds with a great choice of outdoor activities including hiking, sea kayaking, sailing, mountain biking, rafting, scenic flights, fishing, diving and so much more.”

“Marlborough is famous for its unique proposition of offering something for everyone, and we hope competitors, support crews, staff, volunteers and media alike will have the chance to immerse themselves in the vast array of attractions and activities the region offers. That includes enjoying a taste of what it's like to 'live' Marlborough - from the wonderful arts, heritage and culture, stunning Marlborough Sounds to the delicious gourmet cuisine and award-winning cellar doors.”

Quick Facts

What: One NZ GODZONE Chapter 12

When: 29th February – 8th March 2024

Entries: open 1st July 2023

Where: Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand  / Welcome & Registration Host

Course: The course route remains a secret until the event starts