High-Calibre Field Gathers For The 2025 HiveEnergy Challenge Wānaka Multi

Friday, 10 October 2025, 10:02 am
Press Release: Challenge Wanaka

Wānaka is set to welcome an exciting field of multisport athletes for the HiveEnergy Challenge Wānaka Multi on Saturday 18 October, now in its sixth year. The event has become a must-do early-season race for those targeting Coast to Coast or preparing for the world’s toughest adventure races, including Godzone.

For Simone Maier, returning from injury and building toward Godzone, the Multi is a vital step in her comeback. “Having this race as a goal is hugely motivating,” says Maier. “It’s the perfect practice ground — you can test your nutrition, equipment, and fitness under real race conditions. The course, the volunteers, and the energy out there are just awesome.”

Maier has dominated the event since its inception, winning every edition she has entered — 2024, 2023, 2021, and 2020. She faces fierce competition from multisport legend Elina Ussher, who will tackle the course for the first time, alongside 2025 Coast to Coast Two-Day Champion Emily Trevail, Courtney Hawke, and several strong local contenders.

Hamish Elliot will compete in his fifth Challenge Wānaka Multi, chasing a fourth title after consecutive wins in 2024, 2023, and 2022. “Preparing for Coast to Coast, the Challenge Wānaka Multi is a staple event in my season,” says Elliot. “It’s the perfect way to test all my disciplines early and see where I can improve. The course is spectacular, and the people make it such a great experience.”

He will be joined by 2025 Coast to Coast Two-Day Champion Sam King, along with local athletes Sam Pearce, Jordan Sutherland and Morne Pienaar.

The race continues to grow, with the duathlon entries up 70% and individual multi entries increasing more than 40% on last year, cementing its place as a spring highlight for competitive athletes. Competitors tackle Wānaka’s stunning terrain, trails, and lakefront, testing fitness, nutrition, and equipment — making it the perfect preparation for bigger events later in the season.

The Teams section also promises exciting competition in 2025, with adventure racing great Nathan Fa’avae teaming up with his daughter, while local endurance legend Bob McLachlan — fresh off victory in the Yukon 1000, the world’s longest kayak race — joins forces with Christchurch multisport coach Flavio Vianna, who placed third in the individual standings last year. With such experienced line-ups, the team category is set to be fiercely contested.

Since launching in 2020, the Challenge Wānaka Multi & Duathlon, proudly sponsored by HiveEnergy, has steadily grown in popularity. The event is now a highlight for elite athletes and newcomers alike, celebrated for its breathtaking course and hallmark community spirit.

“Challenge Wānaka has become a favourite for athletes looking for a strong early-season hit-out,” says Jane Sharman, Challenge Wānaka Sports Trust Director. “But it’s not just about the elites — the Multi and Duathlon are also fantastic opportunities for those new to the sport or looking for their first taste of adventure racing. Whether you’re an amateur giving it a go, or an experienced athlete preparing for Coast to Coast or Godzone, there’s a place for you on the start line.”

With defending champions returning, new challengers lining up, and an ever-growing community of first-timers, the 2025 HiveEnergy Challenge Wānaka Multi promises spectacular racing, stunning scenery, and an unforgettable experience for all athletes.

Athlete Profiles

Simone Maier (Wānaka) – One of New Zealand’s most accomplished multisport athletes, Maier is a five-time Coast to Coast Champion and reigning HiveEnergy Challenge Wānaka Multi winner. Known for her strength, consistency, and determination, she’s now preparing for Godzone in November and returns as the woman to beat.

Hamish Elliot (Wanaka) – A three-time HiveEnergy Challenge Wānaka Multi champion, Coast to Coast Champion Elliot has been one of the country’s most consistent male multisporters in recent years. With a strong all-round skillset and calm race craft, he’s chasing a fourth consecutive title in 2025.

Elina Ussher (Nelson) – A three-time Coast to Coast Champion and one of the sport’s all-time greats tackles the Multi for the first time, Ussher brings decades of experience and fierce competitiveness to the Wānaka start line, ensuring an exciting women’s race.

Sam King (Christchurch) – The reigning Coast to Coast Two-Day Champion, King is a rising star in multisport. His blend of kayaking power and biking strength has seen him on the podium a number of times for this race.

Emily Trevail (Christchurch) – The 2025 Coast to Coast Two-Day Champion, Trevail is known for her endurance and tactical racing. She’s expected to be a major contender in the women’s field this year.

Courtney Hawke (Christchurch) – A dynamic adventure racer and trail athlete, Hawke has quickly established herself among New Zealand’s top emerging multisporters, balancing speed with technical ability across disciplines.

Nathan Fa’avae (Queenstown) – A household name in endurance sport, Fa’avae is a six-time Adventure Racing World Champion. Teaming up with his daughters, he brings unmatched experience and family pride to the race.

Bob McLachlan (Wānaka) – A local endurance icon, McLauchlan recently conquered the Yukon 1000, the world’s longest kayak race. Known for his toughness and adventurous spirit, he’ll pair with Flavio Vianna in this year’s team event.

Flavio Vianna (Christchurch) – A respected multisport coach and athlete, Vianna finished third in the 2024 individual standings. His partnership with McLauchlan brings a powerful mix of endurance expertise and strategic precision to the teams competition.

Other local athletes of note, Cath Atkinson, Nattie Phillips, Piper Cavanaugh, Sam Pearce.

About the HiveEnergy Challenge Wānaka Multi

The HiveEnergy Challenge Wānaka Multi, proudly sponsored by HiveEnergy, is New Zealand’s premier early-season multisport event. Now in its sixth year, the race challenges athletes with a 25km kayak, 43km mountain bike, and 14km trail run, alongside a popular duathlon option. Wānaka’s stunning mountains, trails, and lakefront provide a scenic and testing course for experienced and aspiring athletes, making it a spring highlight for those preparing for Coast to Coast, Godzone, or seeking their first taste of adventure racing.

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