FEATURE

Iconic Motatapu Enters Exciting New Era

By Macpac Motatapu

The Macpac Motatapu will once again host thousands of competitors across a variety of events when they descend on Wanaka and Queenstown on March 4, 2017 for the 13^th running of this iconic event, with one of those entrants promised a prize package including a rather special ride to the start line.

Announcements over the coming weeks will reveal new innovations to reinvigorate an already hugely popular event that caters for mountain bikers, XTERRA triathletes, off road marathon runners, hikers and walkers and ultra-runners on a variety of courses that make their way through the stunning Motatapu Valley from Lake Wanaka, through to the finish line (and festivities) in historic Arrowtown.

Famous for its relaxed southern vibe and breathtaking course through the high country and valleys between Wanaka and Queenstown, the Macpac Motatapu takes competitors on trails not open to the public on this ‘one day only’ chance to ride, run or walk on otherwise closed trails through the Motatapu Valley.

Owned by the Queenstown Trails Trust since 2013, the event is undergoing something of a ‘makeover’ as it enters an exciting new phase.

“This is just a wonderful event, it has so much history and so many great stories have emerged from people of all walks of life that have taken part,” said Mandy Kennedy, CEO of the Queenstown Trails Trust.

“And yet it is important to add to that experience, to present new challenges and exciting innovations to keep our regulars coming back, and entice new competitors to join the fun. We and our event organisers at the IRONMAN team look forward to announcing some of those changes in the weeks ahead.”
 

Regardless of the promised innovation, it is ultimately the unique one day a year access to the course that appeals to many, with the 47km Skoda Mountain Bike event now established as the biggest one day mountain bike event in Australasia.

And one lucky entrant stands to arrive to the start line in style, for whatever event they choose to enter. Organisers are giving away the thrill of a helicopter ride on race morning, checking out the course below as you fly from Queenstown before landing in Glendhu Bay for the race start. 

But that is not all, on top of that the winner can invite two mates to share the ride with them, the winner will receive an ‘Avanti Competitor S Plus 2’ mountain bike (valued at $3,599) and $500 worth of official Macpac Motatapu merchandise and a bottle of delicious Gibbtson Valley official Motatapu wine is included for good measure, perhaps to enjoy over dinner with those mates.

All entries in any of the five events on offer at the Macpac Motatapu before February 10 are eligible to win the prize. Click here for full T&C's.

Further information on other changes and additions to the event will be announced in the weeks ahead. 

Macpac Motatapu
March 4, 2017
Wanaka to Queenstown
www.motatapu.com
Featuring:

• SKODA Mountain Bike – 47km
• Miners Trail – 15km
• Off Road Marathon – 42.2km 
• UDC Finance XTERRA Triathlon – 2km swim, 47km mountain bike, 15km run
• Ultra Run – 51km