Former All Black captain and part-time Wānaka resident Richie McCaw has confirmed he is stepping up for another adventure racing event GODZone in Wānaka next week.

Richie will line up for his fourth attempt at the gruelling ten-day expedition event starting on March 3 with a remote course taking competitors from one side of the South Island to the other.

This year he is competing with fellow multisport teammate Rugby Players Association CEO Rob Nichol and Wānaka athletes Jo Williams and Tim Sikma.

"GODZone represents the ultimate New Zealand adventure that over a five-to-seven-day period absolutely tests you both physically and mentally," Richie said. 

"The opportunity to race down in the South Island again is really appealing."

Richie raced Chapter 9 of GODZone in Rotorua last year, placing a credible second place alongside Coast-to-Coast champions and Wānaka residents Dougal Allan, Simone Maier and Theo Wordsworth. 

"Unfortunately, Rob did not get to race in Rotorua last year due to a Covid lockdown in Auckland, so it will be great to be back together, along with Jo and Tim, who we have not raced with before," Richie said. 

The group will race as TEAM iSPORT to support Richie and Dan Carter's foundation that inspires and removes barriers for youth to be involved in sport. 

Richie with Sarah Fairmaid and Rob Nichol.

Richie said he was passionate about the iSPORT initiatives.

“All kids deserve the opportunity to pursue their sporting aspirations and get the personal growth and sense of achievement from that, so I'm excited that the team will be giving 100 percent to support our cause."

A Team iSPORT page is set up here for fans to follow the team as they progress at GODZone and donate to the cause.

The field of more than 90 teams competing at GODZone arrive in Wānaka next Thursday for the Chapter 10 official team registration and gear check before the race begins.

Competitors will spend nine days on a secret course which travels coast to coast in the South Island.

Find the entire team list for GODZone Chapter 10 here.

PHOTOS: Supplied