Details Announced for A New 6-Day NZ Enduro Adventure Starting This Weekend

PRESS RELEASE: NZ MTB RALLY

This weekend, The NZ MTB RALLY is unveiling its 1st Edition across the Nelson-Tasman region at the top of NZ's South Island. 120 Racers will take on an amazing 6-day backcountry enduro adventure featuring heli-drops, boat crossing, and many 4x4 shuttles.


NZ MTB Rally is a 6-Day enduro-format adventure, traversing NZ’s relatively undiscovered ‘Top-of-the-South’ region. As you’d expect, it features world-class trails in a pristine backcountry environment...but with a refreshing new take on the familiar ‘trans-enduro’ format by including some properly rad logistics: Multiple Heli-Drops, a Boat-Access Day, and 4×4 uplifts.

The Rally’s circular itinerary comprises an original route conceived especially for the race; sandwiched between 3 National Parks, taking in a blend of both historic backcountry tracks and purpose built MTB trails. But if you're thinking machine-build bike park, you'll be in for a surprise. The trails in Nelson and the surrounding area consist almost entirely of hand-built singletrack built by an enthusiastic local MTB community comprising over 3000 active members.

In simple terms, NZ MTB Rally is an uplift-assisted enduro race. With 4 to 6 gravity-biased race stages per day, connected by scenic backcountry liaisons and shuttled uplifts using 4×4, helicopter and boat. Visiting a notably different ride-spot each day, from three different basecamp locations. It’s a route that gives the impression of going on a coherent journey, with a purpose, rather than simply cruising from one bike park to the next on a coach tour.

Pinkbike's very own Matt Beer flew in from Canada earlier this week and will be competing for the podium against everyone else on the start-list. We're eager to see how he fares against the clock, but most importantly, to see if we can get the 'royal stamp of approval' from Matt regarding our trail network and organisational logistics. (Hint: Matt's certainly no slouch!).



I've now been here in New Zealand for two months, and I absolutely love it! This country has everything: beautiful landscapes, delicious craft-beer and most of all : incredibly nice people! Everyone here is so welcoming and helpful, it definitely enhances the whole visitor experience.

Regarding the biking, I've already had the chance to ride some of the trails we'll be racing during the NZ MTB RALLY, and trust me, it's awesome ! There are so many natural, hand-built trails here with such a big Mountain Bikers comunity taking care of them... It's honestly insanely good...and I don't say that so easily having ridden almost all of the best riding spots in Europe during my professional career.

So, now that the introductions have been made, let me tell you about what's coming this week!

"Only" a race...

Whilst it’s a race, our expectations are that at least half of the 120-rider start list will be here for the adventure, awesome trails, beautiful scenery, and party vibes; not necessarily keeping a close eye on their finishing times.

And likely showing only the vaguest of interest in the heroic fight for the podium going on at the top of the field. Or at least, that's what they are pretending is gonna happen. (What actually happens once you're between the tapes, is anyone's guess and plans of 'just taking it easy' and 'I'm not really here to race' are often forgotten).


NZ MTB Rally is a party-to-pedal ratio of well over 2 to 1: our typical day averages 600 – 1200m climb and 2300 to 3000m descent. For those who don’t relish shouldering their bike, fear not: we’re not into it either. “Hike-a-bike? Hell Nah, Bro! Why walk, when you can take The Heli?” (preferably quipped whilst wearing aviator sunglasses and singlet, mullet shimmering in the breeze. Then casually popping the cap on a cold kiwi beer you just pulled from the overflowing cool box full of bevvies that you’ve stashed in the trunk of your pickup; conveniently there all along…almost as if waiting for this very moment of manly glory).



Over the week, we average about 70% backcountry and 30% bike-park stages, although when the park stuff is hand-cut beech forest goodness, we’ll forgive you if you struggle to notice the difference. We’ll throw in a groomer most days, but if you’re here for a proper Kiwi adventure… you’ve come to the right place.







We'll be publishing regular updates right here on Pinkbike throughout the week, but make also sure to follow @nzmtbrally on social networks and come along with us for the ride.
Meanwhile, check out our preview reel but be ready to be just a little envious of our Southern-Hemisphere, endless-summer vibes.

Posted In:
Racing and Events Enduro Racing Press Releases Matt Beer Matthew Fairbrother Morgane Jonnier