New Zealand's Coast to Coast Mountain Race

By Travel New Zealand —— Bio and Archives January 4, 2016

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Looking for a world-class sporting event to highlight a vacation? Coast to Coast is an iconic multi-sport event held on New Zealand’s South Island. Beginning on February 12, 2016, at Kumara on the west coast, the race traverses the width of the island, finishing on the east coast at New Brighton.

For the elite athlete, “The Longest Day” competition covers the entire 243km course in one day. The Two-Day Event comprises of individual, two-person and three-person team categories. Here, competitors spend the night at Klondyke Corner, where the Mountain Run stage finishes, and depart the following morning on the short cycle to the Kayak stage. The two-day race is achievable by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and a can-do attitude. Visitors to this race will enjoy a friendly race atmosphere and appreciate the legendary warm kiwi hospitality. Racers begin with a 2km run to their bikes and then ride 55km following the Taramakau River to the foothills of the Southern Alps. Next is the true test – a 30.5km off-trail run with multiple frigid river crossings. Then, it’s a 15.5km bike ride to the Waimakariri River, where the adventurers kayak 70km. To finish the grueling race, there is another 69.5km bike ride. The entry fee is $995 NZD (approximately $915 CAD). International entries close on January 31. As long as you have a grade two participation kayaking certificate, you can enter – there are no qualifying standards. To create your unique New Zealand adventure, please visit: www.NewZealand.com and check out the “Wishlist” handy vacation planner.