Adventure racing: Queenstown named to host 2017 GODZone

Warren Bates.
Warren Bates.
Queenstown will host the sixth instalment of the GODZone adventure race next year.

Organisers made the announcement yesterday, much earlier than usual, due to significant interest in the event.

It was the largest expedition-length adventure race in the world and would attract competitors from around the world, race director Warren Bates said.

"Queenstown is a captivating place for adventure, with its spectacular mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, fast-moving rivers and is fast becoming one of the world's preeminent mountain bike locations.

"We couldn't ask for a more dazzling setting to host next year's GODZone,'' he said.

This year's event, which will feature All Black captain Richie McCaw, sold out in less than two hours.

It is being hosted in Kaiteriteri and the greater Tasman district from April 2-9, and will be contested by 70 teams.

"Chapter five sold out in just two hours and we have received a huge amount of inquiry about where we will go for chapter 6,'' Bates said.

"There is a real buzz about the event at the moment, it makes sense to get the destination out as soon as possible, giving teams plenty of preparation time to plan coming to GODZone next year.''

Many teams turn the event into a longer holiday or add sightseeing to their itinerary, a sure economic boost to the region.

Entries for next year's event will open on July 1 and team spots will be strictly limited, as in previous years.

Bates, who is based in Queenstown, said the Queenstown course had been five years in the making, but would remain a secret until the event started.

"It's a fantastic place to work and play. Ever since GODZone started we have been working on creating an amazing event and course to showcase our backyard."

GODZone is an official member of the Adventure Racing World Series and a qualifier for the Adventure Racing World Championships.

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