Te Anau is set to host GODzone, a premium multisport event billed as the world's largest expedition race, in February/March 2023.

GODZone Event Director Warren Bates said Fiordland offered teams an unforgettable and unique racing experience.

“Feedback from our competitors always points to a desire to visit remote, wild and beautiful places, and Fiordland has an aura that resonates with the adventurous. It is a vast tract of untouched wilderness where we could host multiple events and never cross the same terrain twice. We are very excited to be returning to this region of New Zealand in the full knowledge that adventure racing teams worldwide are hungry for it,” he said.

Packrafting in Fiordland in 2018 during GODzone's Chapter 7. Photo: Supplied

Last held in Fiordland in 2018, Bates said Chapter 11 of the race will offer a chance of redemption for some returning competitors, including international teams following the reopening of New Zealand's borders.

“There will certainly be a few teams who have unfinished business in Fiordland after Chapter 7 in 2018 was arguably one of our longest and most arduous races," said Bates.

“Respected international racers have referred to it as one of the greatest expedition races of all time and a true test of skills and resilience against a stunning backdrop. Entries sold out in minutes, and I expect the same for Chapter 11 this time around.”

"However, for us, it’s about going back to a location that provides a breathtakingly beautiful experience and the ultimate team challenge.”

Great South Conference & Events Manager Karen Witham said events like GODZone attract widespread international exposure, and they are proud to be hosting Chapter 11.

“The scale of this event is significant for Te Anau and Fiordland and will bring significant economic benefits for the region, including everything from accommodation, food and hospitality to traveling expenditure, rental cars and event infrastructure requirements. It's a win-win situation.”

“Fiordland offers GODZone competitors majestic and beautiful natural landscapes to adventure through, and we are looking forward to welcoming all the New Zealand and international teams here. The media and publicity exposure alone is substantial," Witham said.

GODZone online team entries open on 1st July 2022 and will be strictly limited to a first-in–first-served basis at www.godzoneadventure.com.

“We are sticking with the same broad race schedule as the past two chapters where teams will register on Thursday 23rd February, start racing early on Friday 24th February, and then have the next eight to nine days to complete,” said Bates.

“The Fiordland course that remains top secret until race start is already designed, and I would have to say it will probably be our most beautiful chapter yet. We go deep into Fiordland, where possibly no human being has placed their footprints before – it’s going to be epic.”