The Drover

Date: Saturday 3rd April 2027

Distance: 126km Lake Tekapo - Lake Pukaki - Alps2Ocean

Elevation: Approx 950m elevation across the course

Start Time: 7:00am

Start/Finish Line: Lake Tekapo Lake Front

Race Briefing: 6:45am Saturday 3rd April, 2027

Minimum Age: 18yr

Result Categories:

1st, 2nd, 3rd Women, Men Overall,

1st Female, 1st Male 18-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

Race Cut Off Information:

Riders will need to be able to ride at an average of 14km an hour to make the cut offs.

10:20am "Lake Pukaki Cafe" (44.5km mark)

4:00pm Balmoral Aid Station (119km mark)

4:30pm Traffic Management Cut Off across the course.

Other Information:

Riders will need to be able to ride this course at an average speed of 14km per hour in order to make the cut-offs. We recommend this distance is suitable for more experienced riders. Please view the course description, map, and elevation information before committing to this event.

The Drover 126km

The Race

The Drover is the longest race on the day and takes you on a journey to two of the most iconic lakes in New Zealand; Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo. The course utilises the unique features of this landscape; the canals that cut through the land, the turquoise hues of the lakes, and the mountain views all around - including New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook. The Drover is an incredible experience - riding amongst the best scenery in New Zealand, fully supported along the way, and an iconic medal to show for it!

The start and finish line is in the Lake Tekapo village, on the lakefront. You will head through the village and have a short climb until you get above the Tekapo Substation. From here you will descend to the start of the canal. You ride alongside the canal all the way to Lake Pukaki. This section of the race is part of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.

Lake Pukaki is larger than Lake Tekapo and sits beneath Aoraki / Mount Cook. The course takes you alongside the lake, with spectacular views in all directions - you even get the chance to see Aoraki / Mount Cook.. "Lake Pukaki Cafe" Aid Station is on this section where you can take a rest and look out over the stunning views before continuing on your way.

The Drover then heads further up the lake, eventually taking you alongside the Tasman River on the Alps 2 Ocean Trail as you make your way to the turnaround. The views are truly breathtaking - sweeping views across the valley, towering peaks all around.

On your return you will come to Braemar Road. This is where you turn left and head back towards Lake Tekapo. The first 10km of this road will be a test on the legs, with just over 300m of elevation gain over 10km. Once you finish this climb you get a reprieve as you head through true Mackenzie country. The historic Roadman's Hut is where there is another Aid Station, allowing you one final resting spot to catch your breath.

The final kilometres take you alongside Balmoral Station before you cross the highway and head back to the Finish Line at Lake Tekapo.

The Drover Information

The Drover Start Line

The Drover start line is at the main Race Village on the Village Green in Lake Tekapo. This is near the lake edge, in front of the shops.

The start will be via a classic kiwi 'Bark Off' - when the shepherd gets their dog to bark, that is the start gun.

Riders must position themselves in order of competitiveness. There will be a 5 minute window for riders to start the race to allow for a good spread throughout the pack.

As the race will start in the dark you will need to have both a front and rear light:

Front light - minimum 300 lumens
Rear light - needs to be set on solid red (the strobe setting is not permitted)
You are able to drop your lights at the Irishman's Creek Aid Station

Aid Stations

Aid Stations are positioned around The Drover course at approximately the following points:

21km Smoko Break
44.5km Lake Pukaki Cafe (Bag Drop Option)
64.5km Mt Cook "Boot Picnic"
83km Mt Cook "Boot Picnic"
112km Roadman's Hut Pit Stop (Bag Drop Option)
119km Balmoral Aid Station

All Aid Stations will be supplied with fresh water, Pure Sports Electrolyte Hydration, and lollies.

There will be other food available - full details released closer to the event.

Lake Pukaki Café and Balmoral Café are café-style Aid Stations with loads of food, and tables and chairs looking out over the views. All food will be released closer to the time but expect a feast at each stop!

All food served on course at The Mackenzie is included in the price of your entry.

Also included:

Gluten Free options are available.
Period products are available.
Toilets will be at every Aid Station.

Please ensure you have at least 2l of water and are carrying enough food to sustain you throughout your ride around Lake Tekapo. We will be able to supply top-ups at the Aid Stations but it is best you remain self-sufficient as much as possible.

126km | The Drover

The Drover