It is a move world champion adventure racer Nathan Fa'avae said would ensure the event went down in the history books.
``If there is one place on earth reserved for adventure racing, I believe that place is Fiordland. It is the frontier, a bastion of wilderness, 100% unadulterated adventure and is intensely, majestically scenic.''
Race director Waren Bates said Te Anau would host the event, from March 1 to 10. Entries open on June 1.
``Fiordland is a vast, untamed and unmatched adventure paradise and we want to showcase that to the full and give teams the ultimate expedition race experience.
``With this in mind we are creating a stand-out course of epic proportions, with the event being held over 10 days rather than the usual seven ... This will be a one off, uniquely wild and exhilarating race.''
Fiordland was recognised globally in 1990 and given World Heritage Status for its natural features, exceptional beauty and role in demonstrating the earth's evolutionary history.
Destination Fiordland (DF) and the Southland District Council (SDC) were the official host partners of Godzone Chapter 7.
Southland District Mayor Gary Tong was thrilled the event was heading south.
``This is huge for our district as the event will bring people and publicity to Southland, which is always good.
``Our residents are rightly so proud of Southland, our beautiful scenery and our welcoming people and so those visiting as part of Godzone will be blown away by all that we offer.''
DF tourism manager Philippa Murrell said Fiordland offered the ``last great wilderness'' with some areas still untouched by humans.
``The Fiordland National Park covers 1.2 million ha and will be an amazing backdrop for this challenging course.
``The race is a fantastic fit for the region providing a true wilderness challenge for the racers. I am sure our local teams will be excited to challenge themselves in their own backyard as well as other teams, followers and support crews.''
