There’s nowhere else in the world where earth, wind, fire and water exist in such a potent way. Rotorua is the place to combine all the elements, bringing people and place together to create the ultimate experience.

New Zealand is seen as clean, green and 100% pure, and staying true to that Rotorua has been voted New Zealand’s most beautiful city six times in the 11-year history of the Keep New Zealand Beautiful competition. Along with stunning floral displays, perfectly manicured gardens and litter free streets, sustainability also has a crucial role to play in Rotorua being perceived as a ‘beautiful’ destination. We are still the current holder of this award.

“ I have wanted to see GODZone in Rotorua for a long time. Finally, we have committed and we are pretty excited about it! Living in ‘Vegas for three years in the early 2000’s I got to explore much of the surrounding wilderness and have always thought there is the basis for 2 or 3 great courses there. Many factors will differentiate Chapter 9 from previous editions of the event. The nature of the terrain will provide contrasting navigational challenges and the water sections will be very scenic. I am particularly excited by the variety of environments racers will get to experience in GODZone Rotorua. From that point of view alone the race will be unequalled. “

“ Add the cultural component that comes with racing in the Bay of Plenty and we have the full package. From the moment we first met with Rotorua Council we have been blown away by their hospitality. We feel very welcome here and know that the same aroha will be extended to competitors and supporters alike. And, if you think this might be a bit easier than the South Island races to date, don’t be fooled. We will be taking you to extremes. This will be a GODZone to remember. "

Adam Fairmaid (Race Director)

Race Options:

GZ Pure Event - the ultimate expedition adventure racing experience with teams travelling between 500 and 700km across New Zealand’s wilderness for up to 8 and a half days. GZ Pure represents the most technically challenging adventure race in the world and teams should prepare accordingly.

GZ Pursuit Event - The event takes the existing GODZone concept and makes some subtle changes that creates an exciting racing experience and opens the door to a wider range of expedition adventure racers. On the course it will be very much a true GODZone experience, with teams taking on the best of New Zealand’s epic wilderness. The course design is based around the GZ Pure event with certain stages either shortened, removed or adapted to give GZ Pursuit teams more chance to complete the full course in the time allowed. Typically, a GZ Pursuit course will be somewhere between 80 and 150km shorter than a GZ Pure course.