Queenstown International Marathon 2025
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 & 1 Dinner
Transfers
VIP transfer to the race start for all Marathon Tours & Travel runners
Trip Extension
Auckland Pre-Race Trip extension available upon request
Accommodation
3 nights stay at the Crowne Plaza Queenstown
Entry
Guaranteed race entry with a choice of distance available
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Extensions
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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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Queenstown Tour | Five-Night Package: November 12 – 17, 2025
Features:
- Three nights hotel accommodations at the Crowne Plaza Queenstown
- All hotel taxes
- Daily buffet breakfast as noted
- Pre-race pasta dinner on Friday, November 14
- VIP Transfer to the race start (if your entry is booked with Marathon Tours & Travel)
- Hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff
- Guaranteed Race Entry (additional cost)
Not Included:
- Race Entry (Marathon $TBC; Half-Marathon $TBC; 10K $TBC)
- International roundtrip airfare to New Zealand
- Airport/hotel transfers
- Gratuities and tips
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance
- Optional Activities
- Meals unless noted on itinerary
Pre-Race Extension to Auckland | Three-Night Package: November 9 – 12, 2025
Features:
- Three nights hotel accommodations at the voco Auckland City Centre
- All hotel taxes
- Daily buffet breakfast as noted
- Full-day city sightseeing tour
- Welcome reception in Auckland at the voco Auckland City Centre
- One-way flight from Auckland to Queenstown on Wednesday, November 12
- Group transfer from hotel to Auckland airport
- Arrival transfer from Queenstown airport to the Crowne Plaza Queenstown
- Hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel Staff
Not Included:
- Airfare to Auckland
- Gratuities and tips
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance
- Optional activities
- Meals unless note on the itinerary
Airfare: You should fly in and out of Queenstown (unless on the pre-race extension to Auckland). The airport code is ZQN. We recommend booking a window seat! The view from the plane as you fly over the mountains into Queenstown is stunning!
2024 Rates (all prices per person and in AUD dollars) – 2025 Rates Coming Soon
Note: Single Accommodations are limited.
3 Night Package in AUDDouble / Twin Room Single Room Crowne Plaza Queenstown Standard Room $1,420 per person $2,350 per person Additional Nights $310 per person $580 Race Entry in AUDMarathon $272 Half Maraton $189 10km $132
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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: November 15, 2025
START TIME:
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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 13 November, 2024: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Friday 14 November, 2024: 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°C and 16 degrees Celsius Fahrenheit. 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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