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The Queenstown Trails Trust has purchased the internationally renowned Motatapu event from Iconic Adventures, providing an income stream to help fund the on-going development of trails in the Wakatipu and ensuring the high standard of the Queenstown Trail is maintained.

Iconic Adventures Directors , Geoff Matthews, Tracey Neil and Tom Pryde, developed the Motatapu event nine years ago providing an exclusive once-a-year opportunity for people to cross three historic high country properties, Motatapu, Mt Soho and Glencoe Stations, starting at Glendhu Bay and finishing in Arrowtown.

Explaining the purchase, Queenstown Trails Trust Chief Executive Kaye Parker stated "the Motatapu, which includes five separate events under the one umbrella, particularly stood out for the Trust.

"The 2014 event will mark the tenth year of the event and for many athletes in both New Zealand and offshore the Motatapu is seriously on their bucket list."

The Motatapu brand is widely recognised and the 2013 event attracted a record number of competitors competing in the mountain bike, off road marathon, Miners Trail, off road triathlon and adventure run sections.

A joint venture between the New Zealand Government, Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Trust, with the Department of Conservation an invaluable partner, the Queenstown Trail was developed and opened in October 2012 at a cost of $5.4 million

Estate Trustee Graeme Todd said the trustees were delighted to be able to assist the Queenstown Trails Trust further, stating "the Queenstown Trail has in a very short time had a huge positive impact on our community in so many ways and we need to ensure that the Trust is adequately funded to meet future calls for development and further improvements."

Parker concludes "the Trust is excited about the planning already under way for the tenth anniversary event in March 2014 and is delighted that experienced Motatapu event organiser Gemma Boyle, who has worked on eight Motatapu events, is confirmed as Race Director.

"In the tradition of the Motatapu the Trust will continue to innovate and offer fresh challenges to its present and future competitors."

Entries for the 2014 Motatapu event opened on 1st July.

For more information go to www.motatapu.org.nz/

6th July 2009 - LAKE WANAKA SKI FIELDS OPEN FOR 2009 SEASON

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