The 2025 Merrell Spring Challenge Women’s Adventure Race Heads to Stunning Glenorchy!

19th - 21st September 2025

Get ready for an epic adventure in the heart of New Zealand’s majestic Southern Alps! In 2025, the Merrell Spring Challenge will take place in Glenorchy, a true alpine paradise where towering snow-capped peaks plunge into the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu. Fed by pristine rivers cascading down from the dramatic Mount Aspiring National Park, this region promises to deliver the ultimate backdrop for adventure racing.

Glenorchy holds deep cultural significance for Ngai Tahu and Ngati Mamoe, the local Maori tribes. Known as "Te Korokoro o te Taniwha" (the throat of the taniwha), it is said to be home to a mythical water-dwelling guardian who resides in the depths of Lake Wakatipu. According to legend, the lake itself was formed by the sleeping body of the giant taniwha, Matua. His breathing is believed to be the cause of the lake's rhythmic rise and fall, a living pulse of the land.

After the sun-soaked hills and golden beaches of Tasman in 2024, Glenorchy provides the maximum contrast—a breathtaking alpine wilderness where every step is surrounded by awe-inspiring beauty. This race will be nothing short of spectacular.
Mark your calendars, adventurers, because this is the challenge you’ve been waiting for!

Glenorchy, often hailed as the gateway to Middle Earth, is set to become the breathtaking stage for the 19th Merrell Spring Challenge. Nestled among the dramatic peaks and ancient forests that brought the world of The Lord of the Rings to life, this region offers an adventure worthy of the most daring explorers. Teams will hike, mountain bike, and raft their way through landscapes so wild and untamed, you might just catch a glimpse of Aragorn giving a nod of approval or Legolas wondering why he didn’t get a bike! With the same heart-pounding scenery that shaped Tolkien’s mythical realms, Glenorchy promises an epic backdrop for an unforgettable adventure race.