Queenstown International Marathon
Queenstown International Marathon, Half & 10K
Queenstown, known as the “Adventure Capital of the World”, will impress you from the moment you step off the plane! Located on the South Island, it offers a myriad of options for outdoor enthusiasts.
The New Zealand Sotheby’s Queenstown International Realty Marathon is the country’s most scenic race. It is set between the backdrop of the world-renowned Crown Range and The Remarkables; and takes in the best highlights of the Queenstown Lakes Region including the five-star Milbrook Resort, Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, Shotover River, Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Gardens and finishes in the heart of Queenstown itself.
New Zealand offers a variety of contrasting and beautiful landscapes. Not only is it a dream destination, but also boasts an impressive history of world record holders in distance running with the likes of Rod Dixon, Peter Snell, John Walker, Don Quax and Allison Roe to name a few. Our package gives you the opportunity to visit Auckland for wine tastings, black beaches and an optional day tour of Waiheke Island in the North; and then travel to the South Island for your race and more adventure. We are happy to work with you to create your customized itinerary to extend your time in New Zealand.
Meals Included
Daily Breakfasts and Pre-Race Dinner
Trip Extension
Auckland extension on request
Accommodation
Carefully selected hotel accommodation
Entry
Guaranteed race entry with a choice of distance available
Celebration Party
Farewell Cruise & Dinner
Excursions
Optional tours, activities & adventures
Medal Bling
All runners will receive a finishers medal
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Wednesday, November 10
Arrival Day
Arrive in Queenstown and take an Uber (or taxi) from the airport to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Check-in is at 3:00 PM, however, should you arrive earlier, your bags can be held and you can begin to explore! This evening, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail Reception and trip briefing in the Hotel Atrium.
Thursday, November 11
Today you can explore Queenstown at your leisure or join us for the optional Milford Sound Cruise (additional cost).
Milford Sound Cruise Full Day Tour (6:45 AM – 7:00 PM)
Milford Sound, situated on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is a world-renowned natural wonder with towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and amazing wildlife. Join us on a scenic bus ride with a few picture-perfect rest stops along Milford Road. Enjoy lunch before departing on a 2-hour cruise of Milford Sound on the Milford Haven. Newly refurbished, Haven has large windows, a spacious deck and lounges offering uninterrupted views of towering peaks and surging waterfalls. Keep watch for dolphins, seals and, in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguin! This is a day not to be missed!
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Explore Queenstown on your own
You should also plan to attend the EXPO to pick up your race packet and check out the gear offerings.
(breakfast included)
Friday, November 12
Enjoy another day at your leisure or join us for the optional Shotover River Rafting tour (additional cost).
Shotover River Rafting (10:00 AM – 2:30 PM)
Depart Queenstown after breakfast and start with an unforgettable 4WD trip into Skippers Canyon, famous for it’s exciting cliff edges and gold mining history. Hold on on this epic paddle experience exploring the Shotover River to places those jet boats fear to go! Rafting from Deep Creek over peaceful waters at first, you will head toward the exhilarating rapids of the lower Canyon. Your guide will get your adrenaline pumping as you paddle through Grade 3-5 rapids! Experience the complete darkness of Oxen Bridge Tunnel (170 meters) before you shoot down Cascade Rapid to complete your adventure.
Please note: time/date may change due to weather conditions and number of participants. Competent swimming ability and moderate fitness is a must. Those who are pregnant, have a heart condition or high/low blood pressure are not permitted to participate. Wetsuits & Safety gear provided.
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Explore Queenstown on your own
If you did not go to the EXPO, today is your last chance. This evening we will gather for our pre-race pasta dinner.
(breakfast and dinner included)
Saturday, November 13
Race Day
After an early breakfast, head to your respective event. The finish is a short walking distance from your hotel.
(breakfast included)
Sunday, November 14
Recover, explore and enjoy Queenstown at your own pace. Tonight, we celebrate as a group aboard the TSS Earnslaw, as we cruise Lake Wakatipu to Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant for a buffet dinner and unforgettable working sheep dog show. These dogs are smart and not to be missed! Be sure to confirm and coordinate your departure time for tomorrow.
(breakfast and dinner included)
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Extensions
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** 2027 Details to be Confirmed **
Pre-Race Extension to Auckland | Three-Night Package: November 9 – 12, 2025
Friday, November 8 – Depart from your gateway city for your flight to Auckland, New Zealand
Sunday, November 9 – Arrival in Auckland. After collecting your luggage, make your way to the hotel via taxi or Super Shuttle (both located just outside of Baggage Claim). Most flights will arrive early in the morning (so be sure to get some sleep in the air) and your room may not be ready. Leave your bags at the hotel and explore the quaint shops of Parnell Village, have lunch on the Wharf or visit the shopping district downtown. Tonight, meet your Marathon Tours & Travel host and other guests in the Kereru room for a Welcome Reception.
Monday, November 10 – After breakfast we will meet for a full-day Auckland tour. See first-hand why Auckland is known as the City of Sails as you enjoy a trip over the Harbor Bridge. Visit the famous Auckland landmark of Mount Eden, a dormant volcano whose summit offers excellent panoramic views of the city and harbors. From this fantastic vantage point you will find evidence of Auckland’s volcanic history, the most significant volcano of Rangitoto Island at the entrance to Waitemata Harbor. After lunch and a stroll in Parnell Village, our guide will take us on a tour of two wineries with tastings and a stop along the windswept rugged coastline and the famous black sand beaches of Muriwai. This impressive coastline offers easy access to viewing platforms that allow you to get close and personal with the local gannet colony. (breakfast included)
Tuesday, November 11 – (Optional Full-Day Tour to Waiheke Island) Explore Auckland on your own or opt to add the full-day tour to Waiheke Island to your itinerary. This unique island in Auckland Harbor offers culture, culinary delights, community, and more. (breakfast included)
Wednesday, November 12 – After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for the two-hour flight to Queenstown. (breakfast included)
(activities subject to change)
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Sunday 10th November, 2024
Arrival in Auckland. After collecting your luggage, make your way to the hotel via taxi or Super Shuttle (both located just outside of Baggage Claim). Today you will check-in to the voco Auckland City Centre Hotel and meet your Marathon Tours & Travel host who will provide a brief introduction. Tonight, the group will gather for a Welcome Reception.
Monday 11th November, 2024
After breakfast we will meet for a full-day Auckland tour. See first-hand why Auckland is known as the City of Sails as you enjoy a trip over the Harbour Bridge. Visit the famous Auckland landmark of Mount Eden, a dormant volcano whose summit offers excellent panoramic views of the city and harbours. From this fantastic vantage point you will find evidence of Auckland’s volcanic history, the most significant volcano of Rangitoto Island at the entrance to Waitemata Harbour. After lunch and a stroll in Parnell Village, our guide will take us on a tour of two wineries with tastings and a stop along the windswept rugged coastline and the famous black sand beaches of Muriwai. This impressive coastline offers easy access to viewing platforms that allow you to get close and personal with the local gannet colony.
(breakfast included)
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Packages & Rates
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** 2027 Details to be Confirmed **
Queenstown Tour | Five-Night Package: November 10 – 15, 2027
Features:
- 3 Night Minimum Hotel Accommodation
- All hotel taxes
- Daily Breakfast
- Welcome Reception
- Pre-race Dinner
- Farewell celebration
- Hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff
- Exclusive code for runners to purchase a “Race Entry at 10% Discount”
Not Included:
- Race Entry (Add on to your Package)
- International roundtrip airfare to New Zealand
- Airport/hotel transfers
- Gratuities and tips
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance
- Optional Activities
- Meals unless noted on itinerary
Rates (all prices per person and in AUD dollars) – 2027 Rates Coming Soon
Note: Single Accommodations are limited.
Travel Package in AUDDouble / Twin Room Single Room Standard Room TBC TBC Additional Nights TBC TBC Race Entry in AUDMarathon TBC Half Maraton TBC 10km TBC
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Hotels
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Crowne Plaza Queenstown
Crowne Plaza Queenstown sits in the heart of Queenstown, enjoying panoramic views over The Remarkables Mountain Range and Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s longest lake. From luxurious bedding to spacious accommodation, the Crowne Plaza knows the importance of a great night’s sleep. Every room has its own private balcony or courtyard. Restaurants and shopping are just outside the door and it is located just a 10 minute short walk from the finish.
voco Auckland City Centre (applicable to pre-race extension)New Zealand’s premiere accommodation with an elegant twist! Enjoy Kiwi charm for which New Zealand is world-renowned and relax in premium accommodations with design touches that will make your stay feel more like home. Stroll to the city’s best shopping and dining precincts including Britomart and the Viaduct, or head down to the wharf to hop on a ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island. Catch up with friends over a slice of artisan fired pizza at voco’s authentic trattoria or head to the Bar Albert on the 38th floor, the highest rooftop bar in New Zealand, for a expertly crafted cocktail and uninterrupted views over the Auckland city skyline! Spacious guest rooms feature free WI-FI as well as other modern amenities.
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Event Information
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Race Date: 2027 TBC
START TIMES (based on 2025):
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7:45 AM Havana Coffee 10K
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8:00 AM La Roche Posay Half-Marathon
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8:20 AM Sotheby’s International Realty Marathon
COURSE: The course starts at The Avenue, Millbrook Resort and finishes at the Queenstown Memorial Centre Recreation Ground. It is a bit hilly and challenging; and offers a unique mix of running terrain, with 70% of the course on smooth hard packed trails and 30% on road. Regular running shoes are fine for this course. Trail running shoes are an acceptable alternative.
The course takes in the best highlights of the region including Millbrook, Arrowtown, Arrow River, Lake Hayes, Old Shotover Bridge, Twin Rivers trail, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Gardens. Keep your eyes open for sheep dotting the countryside…it is picturesque!
RACE ENTRY FEE: You will be provided with a special code to register for the race after we receive your booking. This special fee includes the VIP Race Transfer to the start.
NOTE: A VIP Race Transfer is for only those who purchase their entry with Marathon Tours & Travel. If you register directly with the race, then you should also purchase the shuttle bus ticket to the marathon/half marathon start when you register online. If you missed this when you registered, you can still modify and add this feature. It is important to note that the race day transfer provided by the event is different from the Marathon Tours & Travel race day transfer.
ELIGIBILITY: Marathon entrants must be 18 years of age on race day. Half-Marathon entrants must be 16 years of age and the minimum age to participate in the 10K is 10. Children under twelve must have an adult running with them.
TIME LIMIT: The course time limit is seven (7) hours. You must meet the following cut-off times:
- The start of the Lake Hayes Trail (distance 11.65K) by 10:30 AM
- The corner of Speargrass Flat Road/Slope Hill Road (19.5K) by 11:58 AM
- Aid Station 7 / Spence Road (26.5K) by 1:12 PM
- Aid Station 9 / Frankton (32K) by 2:13 PM
Due to course management and road closure restrictions, the course will officially close at 4:00 PM.
NUMBER PICK-UP:The Sports Expo at Queenstown Events Center (Joe O’Connell Drive, Frankton, Queenstown) is open during the following times:
- Thursday, November 11: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Friday, November 12: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Entry to the Sports Expo is FREE, so bring along your family and friends. It is a picturesque walk (approx. 1.5 hours), a 35 minute bus ride or a 12 minute taxi ride to the Expo from the Crowne Plaza. Another option is to rent a bike and get there in 30 minutes! Information on travel to the Expo can be found here.
AWARDS: Everyone who finishes the Queenstown Marathon, Half-Marathon, or 10K will receive a Finisher Medal. Prize money will be awarded to the top three Men & Women in the Marathon & Half-Marathon. In addition, non-monetary prizes will be awarded to first, second and third placing male and female in each running age group category for each event.
TEMPERATURE: Average temperatures are between 4 and 16 degrees Celsius. Rain is always possible!
Difficulty: Moderate, with challenging hills.
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Registration & Booking
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Conditions of Sale
Please note we cannot sell race entry without accommodation package. Race entry is not refundable.
If you wish to make any changes to your reservations administration and/or service fees might apply. For our general T&C’s please see here.
How to Book
To make your booking, click on the orange button at the top of the page, ensuring that you select the correct number of rooms and types for all members in your party plus all the required extras. When you book, we will require a deposit to confirm your place.
Payments
When you confirm your booking, we will take a deposit payment. Subsequent payments are taken automatically.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is an essential part of any holiday you take, and we highly recommend that you purchase suitable insurance for your trip. You must ensure that your travel insurance policy also covers you to participate in running events.
Security Policy
Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Race Rules
Our itinerary and details regarding the race are based on current information available at the time this package was released for sale. Whilst we expect the details to remain correct, changes are possible and will be confirmed nearer to the trip after the race organisers have confirmed final instructions. All race rules and procedures need to be followed.
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