The Spirited Women Timeline (2016 – Now)
1st Edition – Rotorua (April 2016): The inaugural event was launched in arguably the North Island’s Adventure playground. With Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking on Lake Okareka; trekking through lush native bush and under the Redwoods; Mountain biking (MTB) around the expansive trail network in Whakarewarewa Forest and through a natural geothermal wonderland to finish on Eat Street in downtown Rotorua. The weather Gods treated teams to every type of weather in one day to truly make it an experience to remember. Teams completed between 7-8 Stages with Air Rifle Shooting, a Tree Walk and Indoor Rock Climbing as the Mystery Activities.
2nd Edition – Taupō (April 2017): The event jumped to the neighbouring adventure playground in the heart of the North Island, expanding to 300 teams (1200 participants). Teams got to SUP on Lake Aratiatia and Kayak on the mighty Waikato River, MTB the Craters to the Moon and river trails past Huka Falls, and trek on rolling farmland, through parks and past thermal spots. The event wrapped up in downtown Taupo on the Waterfront Reserve overlooking the grand Lake Taupo with Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe in the distance. After a foggy morning, the day turned out to be a stunner. Team were given between 5-9 Stages with Clay Bird Shooting, Indoor Bouldering and River kayaking the Mystery Activities.
3rd Edition – Whakatāne-Ohope (March 2018): The event headed to the Eastern Bay Of Plenty coast for some sea air and waves. Expanding to 400 teams, 1600 participants got their first taste of ocean paddling off Ohope surf beach which proved a highlight for many, Mountain biking on inland farm country, coasteering and trekking around headlands, Islands and through native bush, to finish back where they started on Ohope beach. It was a pearl of a late summer’s day. Teams had between 7-9 Stages and were given Air Rifle Shooting, Water Slide, Sling Shot, and a Swim/Mud-flat challenge as their Mystery Activities.
4th Edition – Gisborne (March 2019): The event stretched its wings and ventured to Tairawhiti region and the women (may who had not been there) did not hesitate to follow. Now at 408 teams (1632 women) the event kicked off in true East Coast fashion at the Wainui Surf-Lifesaving Club with a beach run, before teams traversed rugged headlands, then kayaked on the tidal river, Mountain biked inland over farms and trekked windblown hills. Gisborne turned on the weather too, making the views spectacular. Reduced to 5-7 Stages due to big surf, teams were challenged by an Obstacle Course, a 5m Jump of a rail bridge into the river in town, and a Gumboot throw as Mystery Activities.
5th Edition– Alexandra (February 2020): With the event directors’ relocation to Central Otago, the event made its South Island debut. For the first time teams were bussed to the start, receiving their first map as they boarded the bus. Beginning from the Old Chatto Creek Tavern gardens, teams were introduced to the sun scorched rock torr high country right away, with a series of treks and mountain bikes to a kayak on the Lower Manorburn Dam later in the day, before finally making their way down the Rail Trail to finish under the view of the Clock on the hill into town. Temperatures rose throughout the day to well above 30 degrees, testing teams like never before. All teams had 8 stages and were surprised by a 5m High Rock Jump into the dam (a cooling delight for those who conquered their fears), Mental Challenge Test and Natural Rock Abseil as the Mystery Activities.
6th Edition – Whangarei (March 2021): From one end of the country to the other, the event went to the “winterless” far north and straight to the beach. Beginning in the beautiful Matapouri Bay with a beach Run & Swim, teams completed an ocean and estuary kayak, Mountain biked farmland and coastal roads, trekked incredible farmland and gorgeous beaches, with the occasional swim, after all… why not, its summer, the sun’s out and the waters warm. With 7-9 Stages for teams, the Mystery Activities included Snorkelling, a Mental Challenge Test, and a four person SUP.
7th Edition – Marlborough (April 2021): The event journeyed from the North to the Top of the South. Teams were once again bussed to the start line Even the weather bomb that landed on race day could not wipe the smiles from women’s faces as they set-off along the stoney coastline to a kayak in the lower stretches of the Wairau & Opaoa Rivers. The Mountain bike leg in challenging coastal 4WD tracks, made way to riding through some of the regions wonderful Vineyards, before Trekking over and around the hills at the base of the Marlborough Sounds. A trip into a cave was even added. Rain and wind were on the menu for much of the day, but this did not dampen spirits, as teams all completed 5 Stages and were tested with Mystery Activities of Clay Bird Shooting, Flint Fire Lighting, and a Sling Shot.
8th Edition – Central Hawkes Bay (Oct 2022): Pandemics forced the event’s only Springtime delivery date and the otherwise drought ridden region was slammed when the heavens opened. So much rain fell that all Mountain biking had to be dropped from the event, but on a positive note, there was plenty of water for paddling. The event was based on three farms and had teams paddling on a private lake, and navigating hilly farmland by foot, interspersed with regular mystery activities such as a Navigational Test, Flint Fire Lighting, Clay Bird Shooting and a Rope Tyrolean Traverse
9th Edition – Rotorua (March 2023): A disrupted calendar saw the event dart back to its North Island birthplace for more of what made the event so appealing in year one. This time teams kayaked the gorgeous Blue Lake, Mountain biked world-famous trails in the ever-expanding trail network in Whakarewarewa Forest and trekked through old native bush and over one of the countri’s oldest farms with amazing views of Mount Tarawera Volcano over Lake Tarawera on what was a brilliant sunny blue sky day. A simple 3 Stages for all teams, with some incredible Mystery Activities including, Air Rifle Shooting, Snorkelling, a team Wool Sack Race and Horse Riding… the first-time horses made an appearance in the event.
10th Edition – Wanaka (April 2023): Moving to the Queenstown Lakes region, the event set a new World Record to mark its tenth edition, with 500 teams (2000 women) entered, making it the largest participation Adventure Race ever. Teams set off from Glendhu Station Woolshed wedding venue and kayaked the crystal waters of the bay in Lake Wanaka, Mountain biked through the purpose-built trail network of Bike Glendhu and up the Aspiring and Motutapu Valleys, and trekked the foothills of the Southern Alps on one epic adventure. A little morning drizzle cleared to a beautiful fine day to showcase the amazing vistas on offer. With between 6-12 Stages and surprise Mystery Activities of a Navigational Exercise, Air riffle Shooting, a Cold Gorge Plunge and wild High Wire Via Ferrata, the event delivered on so many levels.
11th Edition – Cromwell (February 2024): A hop back into Central Otago, the event continued to surprise and delight entrants. Based out of Carrick Vineyard, teams got to paddle the Bannockburn Inlet and Kawarau River, Mountain bike through vineyards and gold tailings, and trek both the Bannockburn Sluicing’s and the Historic Goldfields (booked exclusively for the event). On another day which showed all its colours from full sun to snow, teams completed between 7-9 Stages and enjoyed a River Swim, Wine tasting, a team Wool Sack Race, River Boarding and a natural Rock Abseil as the Mystery Activities on offer.
12th Edition – Clyde (February 2025): Keeping it Central, the event headed down the gorge to another small historic Gold Mining township. Here teams were once again bussed to the start to navigate the huge high country Earnscleugh Station in a trek amongst rock torrs, merino sheep and wild deer, Mountain bike through orchards, vineyards and sluicing’s along the banks the mighty Clutha River, and kayak one of the country’s newest hydro lakes, Lake Dunstan. On a brilliant Central Otago summer’s day, teams tackled 5 stages and got a rare opportunity to cycle over the Clyde Dam. Keeping cool was key, and Mystery Activities helped with an Irrigation Canal Tunnel Crawl and Water Slide, River Jump and Float, Horseshoe Throwing, Navigational Exercise and every special Abseil down the Clyde Dam.
13th Edition – Twizel (February 2026): On the move, the event travelled to the “legendary” Mackenzie Country and makes its official debut on the Adventure Race World Series (ARWS) Oceania Circuit. Based form Lake Ruataniwha Rowing Centre, teams enjoyed a great navigational kayak around the Lake, Mountain biked over farmland and beside turquoise canals in the basin and trekked in the foothills of the Southern Alps. On a stunning day, teams completed between 5-7 Stages and were met with Wilding Pine Removal, Snorkelling in a Loch, Lawn Bowls and Archery as the Mystery Activities.
14th Edition – Tekapo (March 2027): Staying in the “legendary” Mackenzie Country the upcoming event will climb in altitude, and participants will enjoy more turquoise water and stunning high country at the base of the awe-inspiring Southern Alps. For now, we are keeping it secret, and all will be revealed on race day.
15th Edition – TBC (?? 2028):