This year’s Motatapu off-road event has raised more than $15,000 for local charities.

Organisers have donated $13,396 to the Queenstown Trails Trust, plus $1,000 each to Southern Lakes Sanctuary and the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust following the March 1 event.

“The Queenstown Trails has… done fantastic work in our region and we’re proud to be able to help them continue that important work in the years to come,” Motatapu race director Gemma Peskett said.

The charity has been the official charity partner of Motatapu for over a decade and every year a portion of competitors’ entry fees goes towards supporting the trust’s work planning and delivering trails in the Whakatipu Basin. 

Many entrants also opt to make an extra donation when registering for the event. 

Queenstown Trails Trust CEO Mark Williams said the donation is “very much appreciated by all of us at Queenstown Trails and the wider community as a whole”.

The trust works closely with fellow recipient Southern Lakes Sanctuary, which uses the trails for predator control work to help protect New Zealand’s native birds. 

One of the drawcards for people entering the Motatapu is the opportunity to access some of New Zealand’s stunning high country, Gemma said, but the remote nature of the courses can add an extra layer of complexity if urgent medical assistance is required.

Gemma said it is reassuring to know that the Otago Rescue Helicopter team can be called on to provide expert emergency care if required.

“The Otago Rescue Helicopter provides an invaluable service and we are extremely grateful to have them. We’re pleased to donate to the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust in appreciation.”

The Lakes District Air Rescue Trust offers vital financial assistance to the Otago Rescue Helicopter, she said.

The 2025 Motatapu attracted 2,600 competitors across five events, which include a 52km ultra run, a 42km trail marathon, 47km mountain bike, 15km trail run, and 4km kids’ trail. 

PHOTO: Supplied