Queenstown International Marathon, Half & 10K
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 of New Zealand, it offers a myriad of options for outdoor enthusiasts.
Be part of the 10th running of The New Zealand Sotheby’s Queenstown International Realty Marathon! Set between the backdrop of the world-renowned Crown Range and The Remarkables, it is one of the country’s most scenic races. Starting at the five-star Millbrook Resort and finishing in the heart of Queenstown, you will take in the best highlights of the Queenstown Lakes region including historic Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, the Shotover River, Lake Wakatipu and finally Queenstown Gardens and downtown.
New Zealand offers a variety of contrasting and beautiful landscapes. Not only is it a dream destination, but it 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 or the neighbouring country of Australia!
Meals Included
Daily breakfasts & 2 dinners
Guide
Welcome Cocktail Reception & Guidance and support from our team
Transfers
VIP transfer to the race start for all Marathon Tours entries
Trip Extension
3-night pre-race extension to explore Auckland & Waiheke Island available upon request
Accommodation
5 nights stay at the Crowne Plaza Queenstown
Entry
Guaranteed race entry with a choice of distance available
Celebration Party
Celebration dinner cruise included
Coopah
2 week free trial for Coopah training plans
Travel Package Information
-
Itinerary
-
//
Wednesday 12 November 2024
Arrive in Queenstown and take an Uber (or taxi) from the airport to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Check-in is at 15:00, 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 13November 2024
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 (06:45am – 19:00pm)
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!
-or-
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 14 November 2024
Enjoy another day at your leisure or join us for the optional Shotover River Rafting tour (additional cost).
Shotover River Rafting (10:00am – 14:30pm)
Depart Queenstown after breakfast and start with an unforgettable 4WD trip into Skippers Canyon, famous for its 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.
-or-
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 15 November 2024
Race Day! After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the start of your respective event. The finish is a short walking distance from your hotel.
(Breakfast included)
Sunday 16 November 2024
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)
-
-
Extensions
-
PRE-RACE EXTENSION | 9 November – 12 November 2025 | Auckland
Marathon Tours & Travel pre-race extension package to Auckland includes the following:
- Three nights hotel accommodations at the voco Auckland City Centre from 10 November 2024
- Daily breakfasts, except on arrival day
- Full-day city sightseeing tour
- Welcome reception in Auckland at the voco Auckland City Centre
- One-way flight from Auckland to Queenstown on 13 November
- Group transfer from hotel to Auckland Airport
- Arrival transfer from Queenstown Airport to the Crowne Plaza Queenstown
- Services of Marathon Tours & Travel Staff
Accommodation – please refer to our hotel section for details of our Auckland hotel
Rates – please refer to our Packages & Rates section
-
//
Sunday 9th November, 2025
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 10th November, 2025
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 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 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)
-
-
Packages & Rates
-
Guaranteed 2025 Queenstown International Marathon, Half or 10K Entry
We are pleased to offer you guaranteed entry for the 2025 Queenstown International Marathon. You can buy the entry from Marathon Tours & Travel if you also buy the accommodation package from us.
Marathon Tours & Travel Queenstown package includes the following:
- Stay at the Crowne Plaza Queenstown Hotel for 5 nights from 12 November 2025
- Daily breakfasts, except on arrival day
- Welcome Cocktail Reception
- Pre-Race Pasta Dinner
- Farewell Dinner Cruise
- VIP Transfer to the race start (if your entry is booked with Marathon Tours & Travel
- Guidance and support from Marathon Tours & Travel team
- 2-week free trial of Coopah bespoke training plans. Details on how to claim will be sent in your booking confirmation email
Travelling with children?
Contact us for a quote.
Room Policy
Marathon Tours & Travel’s policy is that anyone staying in our room block must be part of our package. If you plan to bring a spouse or guest, they must purchase our package. For example, if there are two of you, the rate would be the double occupancy rate (per person). If you purchase a single occupancy rate package, then only you are allowed in your room. To attend any of our activities, you must be part of our package.
Note
- 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!
Refer to Extensions Section for details of our 3 nights pre-race extension package to Auckland.
RatesAll prices are per person in UK pounds sterling 5 nights from 13th November, 2024 Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Crowne Plaza Queenstown - Standard Courtyard Facing £TBC £TBC Extra Nights & different room types On Request On Request Optional ExtrasAll prices are per person in UK pounds sterling Guaranteed Queenstown Marathon Entry 2024 £TBC Guaranteed Queenstown 21K Entry 2024 £TBC Guaranteed Queenstown 10K Entry 2024 £TBC Milford Sound Cruise (14 November) £TBC Shotover River Rafting (15 November) £TBC Optional Waiheke Island Day Tour (Auckland 12 November) £TBC Optional pre-race extension: AucklandAll prices are per person in UK pounds sterling 3 nights from 10th November, 2024 Double Occupancy Single Occupancy voco City Centre Auckland £TBC £TBC Extra Nights & different room types On Request On Request
-
-
Hotels
-
voco Auckland City Centre (applicable to pre-race extension)
New Zealand’s premier accommodation with an elegant twist! Enjoy Kiwi charm for which New Zealand is world-renowned and relax in premium accommodation 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 an expertly crafted cocktail and uninterrupted views over the Auckland city skyline! Spacious guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi as well as other modern amenities.
Subject to change
Crowne Plaza QueenstownCrowne 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 short, 10-minute walk from the finish.
Subject to change
-
-
Event Information
-
Race Date: November 15 2025
Start Time:
- 07:45am Havana Coffee 10K
- 08:00am La Roche Posay Half-Marathon
- 08:20am 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 only for 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 race 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 10:30am
- The corner of Speargrass Flat Road/Slope Hill Road (19.5K) by 11:58am
- Aid Station 7 / Spence Road (26.5K) by 13:12pm
- Aid Station 9 / Frankton (32K) by 14:13pm
Due to course management and road closure restrictions, the course will officially close at 16:00pm.
Number Pick-Up: The Sports Expo at Queenstown Events Center (Joe O’Connell Drive, Frankton, Queenstown) is open during the following times:
- Thursday November 13: 15:00pm – 19:00pm
- Friday November 14: 09:00am – 21:00pm
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 the first, second and third-placing male and female in each running age group category for each event.
Temperature: Average temperatures are between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is always possible!
Difficulty: Moderate, with challenging hills.
-
-
Registration & Booking
-
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 advice
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for New Zealand’s current entry restrictions and requirements. For UK passport holders please check here.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend travellers to take out comprehensive travel insurance with sufficient healthcare cover, including cover for existing medical conditions and any activities you plan to do.
If you are unsure where to start, we’ve teamed up with Bikmo. Bikmo offer tailored insurance packages that cater for both competitive and non-competitive trips, covering you for many of our running events. If you wish to book insurance through Bikmo, you can benefit from an exclusive 5% discount*, simply use the code DESTINATIONSPORT5 at their checkout. More information can be found here.
*7 days European travel cover from £16.85. Bikmo non-competitive travel insurance is arranged and administered by Rock Insurance Services Limited, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FCA number 300317 Bikmo competitive travel insurance is arranged and administered directly by Jackson Lee Underwriting (JLU). This promotion is provided by Bikmo Ltd Glendale House Sandycroft Industrial Estate Flintshire CH5 2QP
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.
-
-
Seven Continents Club ®
-
The Seven Continents Club (SCC) offers a unique opportunity for runners to run on all seven continents of the globe, as well as providing numerous benefits to its members. The club operates as a global frequent traveller club for runners, offering waitlist priority for high-demand events, early pre-registration periods for a number of races in popular destinations and tour package vouchers for money off international tour packages. What’s more, Seven Continents Club rewards all its members for the extraordinary achievement of running marathons on each continent with their own special finishers medal and certificate of completion. Join the SCC today!
-
