Three brutal loops, 10,000m of gain — New Zealand's most coveted finisher's buckle
Three grueling loops across the high country of Northburn Station in Central Otago, covering 161km with a staggering 10,000m of cumulative gain and loss. The course climbs from 200m above sea level to nearly 1,660m on relentlessly steep 4WD tracks, exposed ridgelines, rocky fence-line traverses, and rough sheep trails — then descends just as brutally. Loop 1 (50km) and the final Loop 3 (50km) share similar terrain, while the central Loop 2 (60km) adds the infamous Water Race section — a punishing traverse before returning to TW, the remote high-mountain aid station. March in Central Otago delivers the full spectrum: blazing sun, biting southerlies, and potentially snow and ice above 1,500m. Pacers are welcome from any point; crews access at the marquee start/finish. Carry mandatory gear at all times. Finish within 48 hours and earn one of New Zealand's most iconic finisher's buckles.
Recommended for seasoned ultrarunners
Cromwell, Otago, New ZealandMarch 20, 2027
| Location | km | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
Start/Finish Marquee Start | 0.0 | 229 m |
Water Refill — Loop 1 Ascent Aid Station | 20.0 | 1,476 m |
Top Aid Station | 25.0 | 1,587 m |
Shrek Aid Station | 33.0 | 917 m |
Mirror Aid Station | 40.0 | 501 m |
Loop of Deception Aid Station | 45.0 | 391 m |
Start/Finish Marquee (50km) Aid Station | 50.0 | 229 m |
Ewe Aid Station | 57.0 | 835 m |
Leaning Rock Aid Station | 64.0 | 1,505 m |
TW Aid Station | 76.0 | 1,457 m |
Mt Horn Aid Station | 86.0 | 742 m |
Brewery Creek Aid Station | 100.0 | 330 m |
Start/Finish Marquee (110km) Aid Station | 110.0 | 229 m |
TW (Loop 3) Aid Station | 122.0 | 1,457 m |
Ewe (Loop 3) Aid Station | 127.0 | 835 m |
TW (after Loop of Despair) Aid Station | 137.0 | 1,545 m |
TW (return from Leaning Rock) Aid Station | 151.0 | 297 m |
Mt Horn (Loop 3, descent) Aid Station | 155.0 | 701 m |
Finish Finish | 161.0 | 226 m |
Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.
Central Otago in March is notorious for extreme variability. Days can be hot and dry with strong norwesters, while southerly fronts can bring torrential rain, strong winds, and near-freezing temperatures above 1,500m. Snow is possible at the high points. Runners must carry full mandatory gear at all times.
Conditions change rapidly in Central Otago. Race reports describe scorching heat on day one, southerly gales, and sub-zero temperatures at altitude — sometimes within the same race.
Temperatures drop sharply above 1,500m at night. Mandatory survival gear (including insulation and waterproofs) is required at all times.
Central Otago's dry inland climate can produce very hot daytime temperatures in March on exposed ridgelines with minimal shade.
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