Day 1 :: Stage 1 :: Bike

Set in the spectacular Wanaka high country, the Minaret Mountain Bike offers a once a year opportunity to ride in one of New Zealand’s most prestigious high country stations. This single stage event starts with a barge ride across Lake Wanaka, to the start line on Minaret Station. The ride itself navigates the shoreline of Lake Wanaka with a combination of undulations and a few steeper climbs. It then descends across a mixture of 4wd and single track. This is a once in a lifetime chance to experience one of Wanaka’s most sought after mountain biking experiences.

Day 1 :: Stage 2 :: Run/Abseil

A beautiful 10km run around Rocky Mountain which affords some wonderful views of the Matukituki Valley, Diamond Lake and beyond. The trails are mostly of a single track nature which requires some sure feet and rewards those who can run ‘technical’ terrain. Compared to the big brother run on day 2, this is a shorter blast but don’t under estimate the climb and the effect the first frisky bike ride will have on the legs. A stunning abseil leads teams back past the rock and then on to the soft shifting braids and sands of The Island – tired legs will feel it here.

Day 1 :: Stage 3 :: Kayak

This paddle takes teams from Paddock Bay, Glendhu Bay, Damper Bay back to the day 1 finish line at Edgewater Resort. The prevailing wind direction is from the north west and if it plays ball, teams usually enjoy a fast surf-style paddle, with the odd big wave to negotiate around Damper Bay. This is a great stage for teams to start their recovery for day 2, but the leaders will be pushing hard to make every second count.

Day 2 :: Stage 4 :: Kayak/Canoe

An early start gives teams the chance for a sunrise paddle on Lake Wanaka before heading down the Clutha River through Albert Town to Luggate Bridge. The Clutha usually runs fairly fast with decent volume meaning that the 27km paddle will be done pretty quickly. The best rapids are saved to the end with Pioneer the one that will catch the unwary out.

Day 2 :: Stage 5 :: Bike/Shoot

A chance to ride one of New Zealand’s finest high country stations takes teams high up above Wanaka to reach a point near the summit of Criffel Peak. The first part of the ride is fast and smooth, taking teams back along the river to Oxbow for a fun activity. Once complete the real work begins with a relentless climb through the station to the ‘Airstrip’ where teams will get a brief respite. Then onward and upward to the stage highpoint. Some single track awaits at the top around the old gold diggings, before an adrenalin fuelled descent to the Cardrona Valley below.

Day 2 :: Stage 6 :: Run.

The opportunity to race across one of New Zealand’s most spectacular skylines. This is one of the highlights of the Red Bull Defiance event and now you have the opportunity to be a part of this event by racing the Skyline Traverse as a single stage. This spectacular trail run offers a lengthy ascent followed by a technical traverse across the ridge line of Mt Alpha and Mt Roy. The route culminates with a run off Mt Roy and around the shore of Lake Wanaka back to Edgewater Resort. Competitors will run through the breathtaking alpine landscape of Wanaka, taking them on a memorable journey around this amazing adventure playground.