Queenstown, New Zealand (26 March 2026) – Organisers of New Zealand’s largest off-road event, Motatapu, are pleased to confirm that the 2026 event and its competitors have contributed over $20,000 to local charities and community initiatives following the successful running of the event on 7 March.

A significant portion of this contribution - $13,766.44 - has been donated to long-standing charity partner, the Queenstown Trails Trust (QTT). Additional donations include $2,000 to Southern Lakes Sanctuary, and $1,500 each to the Arrowtown Charitable Trust (Macetown Track Fund), Mount Aspiring College, and Queenstown Gymnastics Club.

Queenstown Trails Trust has been the official charity partner of Motatapu for more than a decade, with a portion of competitors’ entry fees supporting the trust’s work each year. Many entrants also choose to make an additional donation when registering.

“The support of our competitors plays a huge role in making these contributions possible,” said Motatapu Event Director Gemma Peskett. “It’s something we’re really proud of, being able to give back to the community and the landscapes that make this event so special.”

Chief Executive of Queenstown Trails Trust, Mark Williams, said the ongoing partnership continues to deliver meaningful benefits for the region.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from Motatapu and its participants,” said Williams. “These funds help us maintain and enhance more than 200 kilometres of trails across the Whakatipu Basin, ensuring they remain accessible for both locals and visitors to enjoy.”

As well as enhancing access to the region’s trails, Motatapu also supports environmental initiatives. A $2,000 donation to Southern Lakes Sanctuary, made on behalf of age group placegetters, will contribute to predator control efforts aimed at protecting native birdlife across the region.

The event also supported a number of local community organisations in 2026. Funding for the Arrowtown Charitable Trust’s Macetown Track Fund will help maintain and improve this historic route, while contributions to Mount Aspiring College and the Queenstown Gymnastics Club will support youth development and community programmes.

Motatapu is one of the largest off-road sporting events in New Zealand, attracting thousands of competitors each year to run, walk and ride through spectacular high-country terrain between Wānaka and Arrowtown, much of it accessible to the public for just one day annually.

The 2026 event was held on 7 March and featured five events: a 52km ultra run, 42km trail marathon, 47km mountain bike, 15km trail run and 4km junior trail run.

Motatapu 2027 will take place on Saturday 6 March, and entries will open this weekend, on Saturday 28 March.

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