In the spirit of adventure

Nā Nikki-Leigh Condon

The rugged, breathtaking landscape of Te Tai o Poutini will play host to a group of enthusiastic visitors next summer, set to challenge themselves physically and mentally for the third annual True West Adventure Race. Kaituhi Nikki-Leigh Condon reports.

For world champion adventure racer and captain of the world’s most successful adventure racing team, Nathan Fa’avae, South Westland is the natural choice for the latest leg of the race after competitors battled against the elements and each other in Hokitika
last year.

“Competitors are really going to get a taste of everything with this race, and we are so excited for them to see what Haast has to offer. There is no better territory for an adventure race than what we have seen here in South Westland.”

In its third year, True West is ambitious and innovative. “We are a fairly aspirational adventure racing company in that we go to totally new and unexplored areas to provide a true adventure with every leg,” says Nathan. He and his company have worked closely with the Department of Conservation, local iwi, and landowners to ensure a collective effort for every race … and the upcoming event in 2025 will be no different.

Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio Chief Executive Kara Edwards says working with Nathan has been uplifting and exciting. “Nathan and his company have been so amazing. Last year he worked closely with us to encourage participation for our members and whānau. He made special trips over to meet Ngāi Tahu competitors and support their training efforts, helping us put together training plans and being incredibly hands-on in terms of ensuring our people were prepared.”

A total of six Ngāi Tahu teams entered the race last year, with a young family of three winning the three-hour category in their first adventure race. “Honestly, I wasn’t sure if we could even finish the race, let alone win it. It’s such a surprising yet incredible achievement really,” says Travis Terry after crossing the finish line in first place with his wife, Tash, and their 11-year-old son, Reece.

Nathan is a seven-time world adventure racing champion with a personal passion for encouraging Māori and Pasifika to compete in a still emerging sport.

The effort he and his team has made to encourage whānau to compete has not been lost on Kara. “Last year they were considering cancelling the three-hour event due to low numbers. However, we had a chat and I encouraged them to keep it open as I knew the longer events might be too daunting for new competitors, including our whanaunga.”

The upcoming race in 2025 will feature categories from three to 48 hours, with some competitors beginning their race leg in the dark. Not for the faint-hearted, disciplines include rafting, running, orienteering and hiking, with each category gradually becoming more challenging.

Last year's competitors rafting through the Hokitika Gorge.

“Last year we had our 24-hour eventers start at five in the morning by pulling their pack rafts into the river, high up in the mountains, and then paddling their way down to the coast as the sun rose,” says Nathan.

The working relationship between True West and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio has been based on manaaki and mutual support, with Nathan and his team staying at Kara’s childhood home in Haast during the early stages of race planning.

“It’s been great to stay locally with the whole team and have that connection to the area while working with Kara. The whole region is spectacular in terms of adventure racing, and we have had to get out there to scope out the area. Our competitors are really in for a treat next year.”

The personal connection to Haast runs deep for Kara, who was raised there. “It was my parents who gave me my connection to this place. My father was a local renowned fisherman and pilot, and he was really passionate about showcasing the region and its people. We are really lucky that True West has brought this leg of the race to Haast.”

Kara and Nathan hope the race will draw visitors back to South Westland, an area severely affected by adverse weather and rocky tourism seasons following COVID-19.

“This is such a special place and we really hope that it gives people an opportunity to truly explore what Haast has to offer and spend real time here, instead of just passing through,” says Kara.

Pack rafting down the Mikonui River.

Kara and her whānau will be entering the race in 2025 to commemorate her father and his passion for the area and to celebrate and appreciate their heritage and their whenua. “The finish line for the race next year will be located at the end of a track that my dad built and named. That alone makes it so special for all of us.”

Adventure racing as a sport has a rich and varied history, dating back to its origins in the late 20th century. It began gaining popularity in the 1980s and 1990s with events like the Raid Gauloises in New Zealand and the Eco-Challenge in the United States. These early races were characterised by extreme demands, requiring participants to navigate unmarked wilderness courses, often using multiple disciplines such as trekking, mountain biking, paddling and climbing.

Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio Chief Executive Kara Edwards. Far left: Event organiser Nathan Fa'avae at the finish line of last year's event in Hokitika.

“This is such a special place and we really hope that it gives people an opportunity to truly explore what Haast has to offer and spend real time here, instead of just passing through.”
Kara Edwards Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio Chief Executive.

New Zealand has been at the forefront of this sport, with its challenging terrain and adventurous spirit providing the perfect backdrop for such events. The Southern Traverse, first held in 1991, was one of New Zealand’s premier adventure races and attracted competitors from around the world. This race helped to cement NZ’s reputation as a global hub for adventure racing.

The sport continued to evolve with the introduction of the Adventure Racing World Series in 2001, which brought a more structured competitive framework and a higher level of international exposure. Nathan Fa’avae has been a significant figure in this global arena, contributing to the sport’s growth and inspiring many through his team’s successes.

The resurgence of interest in adventure racing in New Zealand, marked by events like the True West Adventure Race, continues this tradition. These races not only test the limits of human endurance and teamwork, but also foster a deep connection with the natural environment and local communities.

The collaboration with iwi and local organisations, as seen in the True West Adventure Race, highlights the sport’s potential to bring people together in the spirit of adventure and mutual respect.

The True West Adventure Race will be held in Haast in February 2025. For more information and to register, head to www.truewest.nz.

Travis Terry with his wife, Tash, and their 11-year-old son, Reece.