Tourism New Zealand: Glacial wonderland plays host to new marathon

New Zealand is proving itself to be a marathon bucket list destination with the inclusion of two inaugural marathons set for 2014.

Taking place in April 2014, the Aoraki Mt Cook Marathon is attracting international athletes wanting to put their endurance to the test in one of the most pristine running environments in the world.

Glacial wonderland

The principle event offers challenges for all ages and abilities and sees competitors taking in the glacial wonderland of the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.

Located on the South Island, near the popular tourist towns of Twizel and Tekapo, the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is home to the spectacular Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

A half marathon, 10km and 5km run, set across diverse terrain, make this a truly unique event.

Dramatic backdrop

During the event runners can expect to experience the golden alpine tussock shoreline of the shimmering Lake Pukaki and a run through Glentanner Station – a high-country working sheep farm.

The Tasman River valley, home to the mighty Tasman Glacier, complete with the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps round out the marathon that finishes in the Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Village.

Along with taking part in one of the most scenic road races in the world, the Aoraki Mt Cook Marathon gives competitors the chance to stay, play and explore one of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes.

Framed by the famed peaks of the Southern Alps, Aoraki Mt Cook, and the surrounding Mackenzie District offers plenty of year-round, outdoor adventures.

Visitors can jump on their bikes to experience the pure, untouched beauty of The Alps to Ocean, one of New Zealand’s spectacular cycle trails.

Prime adventure

Glaciers, covering 40 percent of the Aroaki Mt Cook Nation Park, and 23 peaks covering over 3,000m make this area a prime spot for summer walkers, hikers and hardy mountaineers.

Star-gazing is another major draw card for visitors to this region. The clear star-filled skies over the Mackenzie District have recently been recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve. This reserve is the largest and one of the most striking in the world.

Equally scenic event

The Aoraki Mt Cook Marathon will precede another equally scenic running event. The Queenstown International Marathon is set to take place in the tourist mecca of Queenstown, on the South Island of New Zealand, in November 2014.

This unique international event will be set against the backdrop of the world renowned Crown and Remarkable mountain ranges and takes in the best highlights of the Queenstown Lakes region.