The Snow Farm hosted the three-day Wānaka Sled Dog Festival in perfect conditions last week (September 6-10).

The event, run by the Southern Regions Sled Dog Club, is the only sled dog race held in New Zealand on snow. Aside from some recent cancellations due to weather and Covid-19, the Snow Farm has been hosting the festival annually since 1993. 

Organiser Sarah Campbell said last week’s event marked another successful year.

“The whole week was a standout,” she told the Wānaka App. “We had perfect weather and trail conditions and lots of very happy mushers and dogs.”

While Siberian huskies and other Arctic breeds are a popular choice for sled dogs any medium-size dog with basic fitness can take part.

A ‘musher’ is a dog sled driver. Their canine counterparts can come in a range of breeds, Sarah said.

While sled dog racing is usually associated with Arctic breed dogs such as Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, any medium-sized dog with basic fitness can compete.

“Any dog with [the] will to pull can take part,” Sarah said.

For mushers, the common element is a love of dogs, and last week they got to spend time with more than 80 dogs at the event.

Participants travelled from all over New Zealand for this year’s festival.

Participants came from all over New Zealand to congregate at the festival and a good number of spectators turned out, too.

Sarah said sled dog racing’s popularity is currently “static”. 

“Like any sport it has its ups and downs and especially during the difficulties of the past few years with cancelled events.” 

“It is great when people become aware of how many breeds can partake in the sport.”

Find more information at the Southern Region Sled Dog Club website.

PHOTOS: Southern Regions Sled Dog Club