Teams start and finish their 2021 GODZone adventure in Rotorua, adventure playground of the North Island. The course is a whopping 666km (the Number of The Beast) with teams navigating, rafting, trekking, mountain biking and kayaking their way around a big loop, to the south of Rotorua, in a broadly clockwise direction. For the first time there is a rogaine section which will allow teams to miss a small number of checkpoints. There are 11 transition areas, three of which are remote, where teams are not be permitted to see their support crews and must be self sufficient. The highlight of the course maybe the wilderness paddle down the Mohaka River followed by an epic traverse of the Kaweka and Kaimanawa Mountains. Two stages that will no doubt live long in the memory (maybe for the incredible views and pain of over 6000m vertical of ascent). Expected winning time for the PURE event is just under 5 days. That’s a big race and a fitting scenario for this Ultimate Edition of GODZone.
Full Route Details…
Stage 1: Chapter 9 of GODZone kicks off with a mountain bike on the world famous trails of Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest. Teams exit the mountain bike park with a fast descent down Eagle Vs Shark before a full traverse of the Western Okataina Trail takes them to TA1 on the shore of Lake Rotoiti.
Full Stage 1 Details…
Stage 2: Time to get those packrafts out and see who is good at inflating and deflating them efficiently. Teams will trek and raft their way across and between Lakes Rotoiti, Rotoehu, Rotoma, Tarawera and Rotomahana; picking off the summit of Maungawhakmana along the way. A first chance to get lost and check out the beautiful lakes of Rotorua.
Full Stage 2 Details…
Stage 3: A long bike that takes teams past towards Lake Aniwaniwa, and then south towards the iconic Moerangi Mountain Bike Trail…one of the best back country rides in New Zealand. Once complete, teams head through the Whirinaki mountain bike trails towards the first of the ‘unsupported’ transition areas.
Full Stage 3 Details…
Stage 4: There is a first time for everything! Rogaine time at GODZone. This means teams have 11 controls to collect in the challenging navigation area of Whirinaki State Forest. Two controls are mandatory. Of the remaining 9 controls, teams have to collect 7 and can omit the final two. Their choice on which to miss. At night, this will be an incredibly difficult section to navigate through.
Full Stage 4 Details…
Stage 5: Teams depart Transition 4 and head through Kaingaroa Forest logging trails to access the awesome Pamu/Rangitaiki Station and a wee challenge of a river crossing armed with bikes. The logging trails can be confusing at night but teams will be focused on getting to TA5 where they will be welcomed by their support crews after a couple of stages without them.
Full Stage 5 Details…
Stage 6: This is where GODZone starts to get real. Last time you will see your support crew for at least two days and maybe even 4 days. Teams will be hauling packraft equipment through the bush to meet up with the Te Iringa Track and then down for a paddle on the stunning Mohaka River. Rapids to enjoy and a mesmerising backcountry experience. The river is Dark Zoned, so no paddling at night, but teams have the option to keep walking if they think that’s wise.
Full Stage 6 Details…
Stage 7: And why wouldn’t it be wise? Well, stage 7 is the iconic stage of Chapter 9. A full traverse of the mighty Kaweka and Kaimanawa ranges with views and bush in equal measure. This near 90km trek will treat teams to around 6000m of vertical ascent and a chance to see some of the most spectacular country in the North Island. There will be sore feet and tiredness after this stage, but the prize of a full course finish is tantalisingly close if a team can knock if off.
Full Stage 7 Details…
Stage 8: A short and enjoyable cycle that connects Waikoko Camp in the bush and the windswept southern shoreline of Lake Taupo. Teams will negotiate the scenic Tongariro River Trail on route, mainly to give support crews time to get ahead of the teams before they arrive at TA8 Waiotaka.
Full Stage 8 Details…
Stage 9: A big paddle that covers the length of New Zealand’s largest lake. Teams will follow the western shoreline which is known for it’s spectacular cliffs, reefs, remote beaches and beautiful swimming spots. For some it will be a welcome chance to rest the weary feet from Stage 7. For others it will be a struggle to stay awake as the soporific effects of the water sends teams off to sleep.
Full Stage 1 Details…
Stage 10: Another wee connecting leg on bikes that joins Lake Taupo and Lake Ohakuri. Most of this stage is on tarseal and the going will be fast and good, with only a few moderate hills to get in the way. At this stage of the race, with most teams having clocked up over 6 days of solid racing, some fast travel will be very welcome. Expecting some sore butts by this time…pass the anti chaff cream please.
Full Stage 1 Details…
Stage 11: Beautiful little Lake Ohakuri. A final chance to get out your packraft and explore this magical little water way. Only 13km long so it should be a breeze. Lots of checkpoints are hidden on the lake and navigation will be challenging at night. This is not the time for a slip up with a rival team breathing down your neck. Last chance to make that move.
Full Stage 1 Details…
Stage 12: Finishing with a mountain bike in the Redwoods in Rotorua just has to be the way to go, right? A quick ride through some beautiful backcountry roads leads teams to the southern end of Whakarewarewa Forest. From there they will pick up a few iconic trails and some great single track back into Waipa Hub and the glory of a GODZone completed.
Full Stage 1 Details…
The above table outlines the basic statistics for the GZ PURE Course. There is a Short Course Cut Off at the start of TA6 that will ‘capture’ those teams who had no prospect of completing the Full Course in the time allowed. Those teams will be expedited further along the course.
The above table outlines the basic statistics for the GZ PURSUIT Course. There is a Short Course Cut Off at the start of TA6 that will ‘capture’ those teams who had no prospect of completing the Full Course in the time allowed. Those teams will be expedited further along the course.
*all times, elevations and distances are estimates. We don’t always know which way the teams will go, how often they will go around in circles and how long they will sleep. Weather and other factors outside of our control may have a profound impact on timings, along with the more usual variables: river flows, sleep, transitions, dark zones and navigation mistakes!
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godzonepure
609
is the world's largest expedition length adventure race. The 550km event is held each year in New Zealand attracting the world’s best competitors.
godzonepure
Apr 11
When he’s not adventure racing... 👣
Victory Vets Nelson (53) team member Anthony Oswald had a chat to Country Wide magazine @nzcountry_wide just before GODZone Chapter 9 Rotorua, about adventure racing, and his ‘other life’ being a vet, a farmer, a husband and a dad.
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On our website:
https://www.godzoneadventure.com/vet-farmer-and-athlete/
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Victory Vets Nelson was the tenth Pure team to grace the finish line this year, and what a splendid race they had; Anthony Oswald, Brendan Hickman, Adam Stanyer and Tina Moore.
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📷 Mark Brimblecombe
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#victoryvetsnelson #gettingitdone #adventureracing #countrywidemagazine ...
godzonepure
Apr 8
MAKE IT WORK
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#flashbackfriday
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#godzonepure #chapter9 #merrell #rotorualakescouncil #novotel #barracudakayaks #radcarhire #backcountrycuisine #giant #cargobrewery #anadventurelikenoother #adventureracing #newzealandadventure #rotoruaNZ #northisland #rotoruaevents ...
godzonepure
Apr 6
GAME FACE
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#godzonepure #chapter9 #merrell #rotorualakescouncil #novotel #barracudakayaks #radcarhire #backcountrycuisine #giant #cargobrewery #anadventurelikenoother #adventureracing #newzealandadventure #rotoruaNZ #northisland #rotoruaevents ...
godzonepure
Apr 1
...
godzonepure
Mar 28
How’s your weekend been?
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#godzonepure #chapter9 #merrell #trekking #rotorualakescouncil #novotel #barracudakayaks #radcarhire #backcountrycuisine #giant #cargobrewery #anadventurelikenoother #adventureracing #newzealandadventure #rotoruaNZ #northisland #rotoruaevents ...
godzonepure
Mar 23
SOLE FOOD
A massive thanks again to @merrellnz for all your support throughout GODZone Chapter 9 Rotorua.
Who’s feet are these? This pic was snapped at TA5, just before you ventured off for that mighty trek.... 👣👏🏼
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#merrellnz #trekking #kaimanawas #memories #godzonepure #chapter9 #anadventurelikenoother #adventureracing #newzealandadventure #rotoruaNZ #northisland #rotoruaevents ...
godzonepure
Mar 21
INTO IT
Marching into Monday like.......
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📷 @kurtmatthewsphotography
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#monday #newweek #trekking #memories #godzonepure #chapter9 #merrell #rotorualakescouncil #novotel #barracudakayaks #radcarhire #backcountrycuisine #giant #cargobrewery #anadventurelikenoother #adventureracing #newzealandadventure #rotoruaNZ #northisland #rotoruaevents ...
godzonepure
Mar 18
#FLASHBACKFRIDAY
Remember this?
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#flashbackfriday #paddling #mohaka #whitewater #memories #godzonepure #chapter9 #merrell #rotorualakescouncil #novotel #barracudakayaks #radcarhire #backcountrycuisine #giant #cargobrewery #anadventurelikenoother #adventureracing #newzealandadventure #rotoruaNZ #northisland #rotoruaevents ...
godzonepure
Mar 18
THE GREATEST
Mate. Mate Mate. Yeah mate? Mate.... Maaaate....... 😁😊
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Who’ll pick you up when your chips are down, or who you’ll pick up. Giggles. Tears. Anger. Frustration. Belly laughs. Exhaustion. Elation. The whole lot. All wrapped into one. 👌
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An adventure with mates is an adventure like no other. Eh mate. 😉
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#mates #adventureswithmates #memories #godzonepure #chapter9 #merrell #rotorualakescouncil #novotel #barracudakayaks #radcarhire #backcountrycuisine #giant #cargobrewery #anadventurelikenoother #adventureracing #newzealandadventure #rotoruaNZ #northisland #rotoruaevents ...
godzonepure
Mar 17
‘GROUND CONTROL TO MAJOR TOM....’ 🎼
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How good..... 😁🏔👌🏼
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#godzonepure #chapter9 #merrell #rotorualakescouncil #novotel #barracudakayaks #radcarhire #backcountrycuisine #giant #cargobrewery #anadventurelikenoother #adventureracing #newzealandadventure #rotoruaNZ #northisland #rotoruaevents ...
godzonepure
Mar 16
Congratulations to winner of the @merrellnz GODZone competition -
⭐️ @sonya.dory ⭐️
Sonya you have won a pair of Merrell’s brand new Moab Flight trail running shoes.
Please reach out to our friends @merrellnz so they can organise to send your new shoes – enjoy!
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#merrellnz #trailrunning #winningshoes #godzonepure #adventureracing ...
godzonepure
Mar 15
@with_belles_on ⭐️IT’S PRETTY COOL as a journalist interviewing a national hero, spending a few days watching him compete in one of the toughest races on earth.
Richie McCaw, a national hero due to his ability to work hard, lead, and epitomise what it is to be an all round good Kiwi.
His team iSport came 2nd at GODZone Adventure Race Chapter 9 Rotorua last week, just a few hours behind World Champions Avaya; (Nathan Fa’avae, Stu Lynch, Chris Forne and Sophie Hart). Richie has firmly stamped his mark on the adventure racing (AR) world. Much like top level rugby, there’s no faking or winging AR success. You get out what you put in. Every athlete works bloody hard and sacrifices a lot to get there. This sport is a complex beast; adventuring in the wilderness poses endless opportunities for things to go wrong- ripping your leg open on a tree stump, feet packing up, guts turning upside down, stuffing up the navigation. Yes, there’s no doubt many people followed GODZone this year simply because of Richie’s presence. And more viewership means more opportunities for sponsorship for this sport. It’s a win win for everybody. But within the AR community, he’s simply ‘another guy’ out there doing it. Last week iSport showed the world a supreme example of adventure racing, Richie displaying excellent leadership and team work equal to that the world saw on the rugby pitch.
There’s many heroes within the AR world, they’re a humble bunch, so flying under the radar is how they like it.
GODZone ‘An Adventure Like No Other’ is followed loyally by friends and families of teams while the race unfolds. It’s an annual pilgrimage of extreme adventuring and hard core dot watching. AR events are popping up all around NZ, many giving the sport a go. Who knows, there might be a day we’ll chat about AR icons and the sport as a whole, much like we do rugby, cricket and sailing. Because these athletes are incredible, and there’s no harm in them joining the ranks of our impressive list of top NZ sportspeople.
Cheers Richie, it was great having you back for your third GODZone.
iSport, the level of skill and amount of grit you displayed was nothing short of phenomenal. #with_belles_on ...
godzonepure
Mar 15
BACK TO THE REAL WORLD
Who wishes it was last Monday.....👆🏼🙄
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Hope everyone is settling back into ‘the normal world’ okay, and getting some solid recovery time in.
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What are you doing for recovery? From pies and beer to super charged epsom salt baths, please do share!
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#realworld #takemebackthere
#mondaymoods #godzonepure #chapter9 #merrell #rotorualakescouncil #novotel #barracudakayaks #radcarhire #backcountrycuisine #giant #cargobrewery #anadventurelikenoother #adventureracing #newzealandadventure #rotoruaNZ #northisland #rotoruaevents ...
godzonepure
Mar 14
THE FUTURE ADVENTURERS....
With the pending completion of GODZone Chapter 9 by the first placed team Avaya last Wednesday, Waipa Hub doubled as the home of the The Regional Schools’ Duathlon Championships last Tuesday.
More than 650 kids turned out for the run-bike-run competition, making the most of the finishing chute with all its colour and festivity.
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Great to see. 😁👏🏼👣🚴🏼
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#duathlon #kidsbeingkids #outtheredoingit #thefuture ...
godzonepure
Mar 14
GODZone Chapter 9 Rotorua
Podium Photos
PURE
1st place: Avaya
Time: 4 days, 23 hours, 25 minutes. (📷 featuring little William.. 🥰)
2nd place: iSport
Time: 5 days, 7 hours, 55 minutes.
3rd place: Tiki Tour
Time: 5 days, 9 hours, 47 minutes.
PURSUIT
1st place: Duck Duck Gooseberries
6 days, 12 hours, 25 minutes.
2nd place: Uncomfortably Numb
8 days, 9 hours, 5 minutes.
3rd place: The Brains Trust
Time: 8 days, 21 hours, 23 minutes.
Legends Trophy
Team Swazi
📷 @kurtmatthewsphotography ...
godzonepure
Mar 13
FAREWELL ROTORUA!!!
You’ve been such an incredible host for GODZone Chapter 9, thank you so much for making us feel so at home as we’ve adventured through your back yard and enjoyed your city.
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Time to head home..... 😊
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#farewell #thankyou #godzonepure #chapter9 #merrell #rotorualakescouncil #novotel #barracudakayaks #radcarhire #backcountrycuisine #giant #cargobrewery #anadventurelikenoother #adventureracing #newzealandadventure #rotoruaNZ #northisland #rotoruaevents ...
godzonepure
Mar 13
LET THE SUN SHINE...
Well, to be fair, the sun really did give 100% effort to shine for the closing of Chapter 9 Rotorua.... 🙈🌞
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#prizegiving #sunshine godzonepure #chapter9 #merrell #rotorualakescouncil #novotel #barracudakayaks #radcarhire #backcountrycuisine #giant #cargobrewery #anadventurelikenoother #adventureracing #newzealandadventure #rotoruaNZ #northisland #rotoruaevents ...
godzonepure
Mar 13
Meet Martin, the GODZone trophy guy
“He loves New Zealand so much, so bugger it, he’ll draw it.
Meet Martin Rogers, you’ll probably be more familiar with his work than you realise, as he’s the man you can thank for the stunning logs of wood we call the GODZone trophies.
It all started way back in 2012, just before Chapter 1 Milford was about to kick off....”
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To read this article, click on the link below, or flick onto Latest News on the GODZone website.
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https://www.godzoneadventure.com/meet-martin-the-godzone-trophy-guy/
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Cheers Marty, you’re a legend. ⭐️
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#trophyguy #art #ilovenewzealand #drawing #trailkitchen #godzonepure #chapter9 #merrell #rotorualakescouncil #novotel #barracudakayaks #radcarhire #backcountrycuisine #giant #cargobrewery #anadventurelikenoother #adventureracing #newzealandadventure #rotoruaNZ #northisland #rotoruaevents ...
godzonepure
Mar 12
FINAL TEAM HOME - Now for some family time. 🥰
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And in they rolled, just before 10.30am on Day 9.
Unfinished Addiction (37) was the final team to be cheered in closing the book for GODZone Chapter 9 Rotorua.
Massive congrats to Matt Fredericksen, Daralyn Hill, Gary Townsend, and Dean Sisson.
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The question is…. Will GODZone remain unfinished for them until next time? 🤔
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#home #happy #unfinishedaddiction #godzonepure #chapter9 #merrell #rotorualakescouncil #novotel #barracudakayaks #radcarhire #backcountrycuisine #giant #cargobrewery #anadventurelikenoother #adventureracing #newzealandadventure #rotoruaNZ #northisland #rotoruaevents ...
godzonepure
Mar 12
FINAL TEAM HOME... 😅
And in they rolled, just before 10.30am on Day 9.
Unfinished Addiction (37) was the final team to be cheered in closing the book for GODZone Chapter 9 Rotorua.
Massive congrats to Matt Fredericksen, Daralyn Hill, Gary Townsend, and Dean Sisson; you were still in the thick of it when many of your fellow race mates were home and seeking comfort. Respect.
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Packrafting Lake Ohakuri overnight, they grabbed a couple of hours’ kip at TA11 this morning before bringing it home on the final 38km ride through The Redwoods and back to Waipa Hub.
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We’ve loved watching their journey, and were collectively gutted when they were short coursed after the big trek, but it’s tough country up there and gee whizz did they give it a good nudge.
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Here’s a chat with packhorse Dean Sisson, beaming.
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The question is…. Will GODZone remain unfinished for them until next time? 🤔
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#home #happy #unfinishedaddiction #godzonepure #chapter9 #merrell #rotorualakescouncil #novotel #barracudakayaks #radcarhire #backcountrycuisine #giant #cargobrewery #anadventurelikenoother #adventureracing #newzealandadventure #rotoruaNZ #northisland #rotoruaevents ...