Queenstown International Marathon
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Queenstown Packages please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
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.
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 the is the country’s most scenic race. Starting at the five star Milbrook 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 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 neighboring country of Australia!
Meals Included
Daily buffet breakfast as per the itinerary & pre-race pasta dinner
Transfers
VIP transfer to the race start included
Trip Extension
3-night pre-race extension to explore Auckland & Waiheke Island
Accommodation
Carefully selected five nights’ hotel accommodation
Celebration Party
Farewell cruise and dinner included
Excursions
Optional tours, activities & adventures
A Helping Hand
Marathon Tours & Travel Host on-site
Medal Bling
All runners will receive a finishers medal
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Wednesday, November 13
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 14
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 15
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 16
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, November 17
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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Pre-Race Extension to Auckland | Three-Night Package: November 10 – 13, 2024
Friday, November 8 – Depart from your gateway city for your flight to Auckland, New Zealand
Sunday, November 10 – 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 11 – 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 12 – (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 13 – 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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Packages & Rates
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Queenstown Tour | Five-Night Package: November 13 – 18, 2024
Features:
- Five nights hotel accommodations at the Crowne Plaza Queenstown
- All hotel taxes
- Daily buffet breakfast as noted
- Welcome Cocktail Reception on Wednesday, November 13
- Pre-race pasta dinner on Friday, November 15
- Farewell cruise and dinner buffet on Sunday, November 17
- 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 $165; Half-Marathon $115; 10K $80)
- 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 10 – 13, 2024
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 13
- 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!
Rates (all prices per person and in US dollars)
Note: Single Accommodations are limited.
Queenstown Five-Night Package Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Crowne Plaza Queenstown Lakeview Room (1 King Bed) $1725 per person $2790 Crowne Plaza Queenstown Standard Room $1595 per person $2525 Additional Night $235 per person $450 Auckland Three-Night Extension Double Occupancy Single Occupancy voco Auckland City Centre Standard Room - LIMITED SPACE $1275 per person $1645 Suite Upgrade $770 per person $770 Additional Night $175 per person $305 Optional Tour Rate Milford Sound Cruise $230 per person Shotover River Rafting $210 per person Waiheke Island Day Tour (Auckland) $195 per person
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Hotels
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voco Auckland City Centre
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.
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 10 minute short walk from the finish.
Subject to change
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Event Information
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Race Date: November 16, 2024
Start Time:
- 7:45 AM Havana Coffee 10K
- 8:00 AM La Roche Posay Half-Marathon
- 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 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 10:30 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 14: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Friday, November 15: 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 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is always possible!
Difficulty: Moderate, with challenging hills.
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Registration & Booking
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Rates: Land Prices may change due to currency fluctuations.
Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with a deposit of $400 per person must be received before confirming your reservations. Final payment must be received before September 1, 2024.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended. All cancellations must be received in writing. Race entry fees are nonrefundable.
Not included in price: All items not specifically listed under tour features. All runners must enter online until online race registration is closed. Thereafter, Marathon Tours & Travel will provide a special late registration form.
Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity 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.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
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Testimonials
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"I loved absolutely everything..." - 2023
I loved absolutely everything! New Zealand (Auckland + Queenstown) was an epic trip in an epic land on arguably one the world’s most visually spectacular trail courses.
"Queenstown Hotel location was perfect..." - 2023Queenstown Hotel location was perfect. The final evening at Walter’s Peak High Country Farm could not have been a more perfect ending to an amazing trip. Food was as fresh as it gets, the show was memorable, and scenery spectacular. Marcie did a very classy 7 Continents Presentation making those achievers feel special and inspiring the other runners to continue their running pursuits.
"The Marathon Tours & Travel New Zealand travel-accommodations-experience package..." - 2023The Marathon Tours & Travel New Zealand travel-accommodations-experience package (Auckland + Queenstown) represents an epic trip in an environmentally-conscious, friendly, multi-cultural land and a lifetime running experience on arguably one of the world’s most visually spectacular natural trail courses.
"Jacqui and Marcie were terrific..." - 2022Jacqui and Marcie were terrific ringleaders and made the entire experience seamless, fun and gratifying. This tour offered just the right balance of organized group experiences and free time to enjoy all the adventures available in the area. Somehow, Marathon Tours & Travel always assembles a group of travelers that become lifetime friends – and the Queenstown trip was no exception.
"Thanks for another memorable experience..." - 2022Thanks for another memorable experience – Lucy had a great race and even as a non-running spectator, this trip was among the best, international or domestic.
"We just returned from..." - 2022We just returned from our most recent Marathon Tours & Travel experience in Queenstown, New Zealand and wanted to let you know how incredible it was. So great to be on the other side of the pandemic and enjoy international travel without all the restrictions again.
"This is the third trip we have taken with Jacqui..." - 2019This is the third trip we have taken with Jacqui. In fact she was a deciding factor for us to take this trip. She is an excellent guide and lots of fun. She knows each location well – the places to visit, the best restaurants, the best places to shop, and excellent recommendations on tours to take. We enjoy our trips with Jacqui because we know she will never steer us wrong.
"All the logistics were taken care of..." - 2018All the logistics were taken care of. I just had to get myself to Queenstown and I did not have to worry about all the normal race issues, e.g. start line transportation, pre race dinner, hotel, etc. took a lot of stress off my shoulders. Also got to meet a lot of amazing people and fellow runners. Made a lot of new friends.
"First time with Marathon Tours..." - 2018First time with Marathon Tours. Was an excellent experience and has motivated me to make more trips and become part of the group.
"The team at Marathon Tours & Travel..." - 2018The team at Marathon Tours & Travel makes you want to come back running another exciting experience with them.
"Jacqui is always fabulous..." - 2017Jacqui is always fabulous, well connected and informative to add to a great experience!
"Nice scenery and excursions..." - 2017Nice scenery and excursions. The marathon was great and bonus it was my seventh continent!
"What did I like best? Queenstown Marathon..." - 2016What did I like best? Queenstown Marathon. Many choices of adventurous day trips surrounding Queenstown, such as Milford Sound scenic boat tour, Routeburn Trail 1 day hike, Gibbston Trail bike ride from Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley Winery.
"Would do this trip again..." - 2016Queenstown is a very picturesque place with many things to do. Jacqui is very familiar with both Auckland and Queenstown so was very helpful in thinking about what to do. Thought the marathon was very well organized and beautiful. Would do this trip again.
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Recommended Resources
Meet the Reps
Marcie Clawson
Trip Designer | Cycling Product Manager
Marcie Clawson
Trip Designer | Cycling Product Manager
Born and raised in Canada, Marcie discovered the magic of road cycling in grade six after earning a 10-speed bike selling oranges for her school fundraiser. Although active in soccer, basketball and rowing during her school years, she admits that physical activity took a backseat to a career in design.
While raising her kids in New England, she rekindled her love of cycling in 2016 and, as a personal challenge, added running and swimming in 2018 to compete in her first 70.3 Triathlon in Prague, CZ to celebrate her 50th birthday. Since then, she has completed two full and five half distance triathlons; and a number of gravel and CX races. Her love of travel and cycling has spurred her to ride her bike more than 24,000 miles in the last six years including multi-day adventures across Czech Republic and three different states. She has circumvented Lake Champlain and conquered mountains in Austria, Canada and the US on two wheels.
Though competitive in nature and fueled by the excitement of a new venue, Marcie found that her greatest joy in racing Triathlon came from the challenge of planning for the unexpected and getting to know people along the course, hearing their stories and motivations and finding out their “WHY”.
A self-admitted “Jack of all trades”, Marcie comes to MTT with work experiences as both a bicycle mechanic and a producer of custom cycling endurance apparel. Marcie currently manages running packages to Big Five, Petra, Iceland Volcano, Polar Circle, Midnight Marathon, Lost City, First Light, Queenstown, Great Wall, and our very own Patagonia Running Festival. She is excited be a part of your journey and to help you to achieve your “WHY”.
