Motatapu, live.

Across the high country from Lake Wānaka to Arrowtown

Motatapu is a once a year off-road day of trail running and mountain biking across private high-country stations in Otago.

Motatapu takes place on Saturday 6 March 2027. Since 2005 it has crossed the Motatapu, Soho and Glencoe Stations between Wānaka and Arrowtown, private land that opens to the public for this event only. The point to point races finish at Wilcox Green in Arrowtown, and the event now draws more than 4,000 participants.

The Ultra Run is 52.7 km with 3,000 metres of climbing, starting at 6:00 from Glendhu Bay on Lake Wānaka. It follows the DOC Motatapu Track, part of Te Araroa, over four peaks, the highest being Jack Halls Saddle at 1,270 metres, with tussock, steep saddles and river crossings. It is not for novices: entrants must be 18 and have mountain running and marathon experience, carry mandatory gear and meet checkpoint cut-offs before a final 8pm cut-off.

The Trail Marathon starts at 9:30 from Motatapu Station near Glendhu Bay, 42.2 km with 1,050 metres of climbing, and walkers are welcome. The 15.2 km Miners Trail Run starts and finishes in Arrowtown at 8:30 with 837 metres of climbing, from age 16. The 47 km Mountain Bike starts at Glendhu Bay with an elite group at 8:00 and a rolling start after, while the E-Mountain Bike race starts at 7:55. Children aged 7 to 15 run the 4 km Junior Trail Run in Arrowtown at 14:00.

Every race finishes at Wilcox Green in Arrowtown, which is also where athletes can check in on the Friday afternoon. A share of every entry goes to the Queenstown Trails Trust, which maintains the local trail network.

On Livebib you can follow a participant who chooses to share their own live position from the phone they carry. This is not the organiser's timing, and the official results come from Motatapu.