The Southern Lakes Ultra is a 7-day, 6-stage, multi-day ultra through the stunning Southern Lakes in Central Otago, New Zealand. This incredibly scenic multi-day ultra-marathon covers approximately 260 km through some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.
Starting on the shores of the Southern Lakes, overlooking crystal-clear waters and surrounded by towering mountains, you will set off on your adventure. Travelling on foot alongside rivers and lakes, over mountains, through valleys, and up peaks, you’ll pass waterfalls, ski fields, and historic gold-mining towns. The route crosses rivers and canyons, winds through forests, and ultimately finishes in the adventure capital of the world—Queenstown.
The race is divided into six stages, with distances ranging from 20 km to 70 km, plus one rest day to recover and take in the views. Runners can choose between supported (gear transported for you) or unsupported (carry your own gear) categories, with both offering a raw and immersive experience.
Participants will be challenged by varied terrain—technical trails, steep climbs, wide open valleys, and high-altitude alpine sections—while enjoying world-class race support. Daily camps provide tents, hot and cold water, and checkpoint refreshments including water, electrolytes, and sunscreen.
Please, do not take lightly the terrain you will be in. Some of the stages are remote. You will be climbing and descending for hours, potentially some in the dark. You must be confident in the back country, remote mountains, on trails, in the elements and weather conditions nature provides.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply seeking the adventure of a lifetime, the Southern Lakes Ultra delivers an unforgettable journey through the heart of New Zealand’s wild beauty. For more info and to register, click here now.