170km | The Drover

'The Drover' is the biggest 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 Mt Cook. For this day only you will have access to private high country stations allowing you the opportunity of a lifetime to cycle your way around this incredible location.

The start and finish line is on the Village Green in the Lake Tekapo village. 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 canals, where you will cross the bridge and begin your ride canal-side towards Lake Pukaki. This section of the course will be fast and is on sealed road for a short time. The road becomes gravel and you will ride alongside the canal until you reach State Highway 8. There will be a controlled crossing across the highway and then you will continue to weave your way alongside the canal until you reach the Lake Pukaki Power Station. At this point you are now at the edge of Lake Pukaki. This lake is larger than Lake Tekapo and sits beneath Aoraki Mt Cook. The course then heads alongside the lake for about 20km. The views are spectacular and you get the chance to see Aoraki Mt Cook as you continue on your ride. You will then come to Braemar Road. This is where you turn right 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 views are incredible in all directions. After around 15km you join up to Godley Peaks Road - which is now part of 'The Muster' course.

Godley Peaks Rd is sealed to begin with. You pass alongside Mt John and Balmoral Station. At Lake MacGregor the road switches to gravel and you continue onwards towards Glenmore Station. This section of the road is a well formed gravel road and you get to enjoy the stunning farmland of Glenmore Station as you continue on your way. Soon you pass the Cass Valley and make your way into Godley Peaks Station. Here you get to experience true High Country Station vistas, experiencing this incredible landscape on your way further up the lake. The course from here is on farm land, so you are following farm tracks that range from gravel road to 4wd tracks. There are fresh water streams to bike through, stock in surrounding paddocks, an abundance of wildlife, and beautiful views in every direction! This is also where you will get to 'The Bluff's section of the course. The 4wd track cuts into the side of the mountains with the lake below you to your right. An epic experience and something you only get to experience at The Mackenzie. 

At the top of the lake you will need to dismount and cross the Godley River. You will need to carry your bike as you wade through the alpine water. There will be experienced personnel to guide you across the water and assistance if required. The Godley River crossing is 2km wide, but is not all water. There are sections where you can ride and then times where you will get off and walk your bike through. 

Once you pass across the Godley River, you then get back on your bike and head through Lilybank Station. This is another opportunity to be on private land and you will ride beside deer paddocks and enjoy the view of the top of the lake. At this point you meet the Macaulay River. Again, you will need to get off and carry your bike in sections, as well as being able to ride some of the river bed. We will have experienced personnel here and assistance if required. 

After this crossing you join the gravel Lilybank Road and take this all the way back to the Finish Line. You can see Mt John far in the distance - a great marker that gets closer to you as you near the Lake Tekapo village and Finish Line. Lilybank Road is another beautiful part of the course, weaving its way through high country stations, past the Roundhill Ski Field road, and offering you a completely different view of Lake Tekapo.

The 170km route may vary in distance depending on the route taken at the two rivers - which will be determined during course marking and dictated by weather and any other contributing factors. 

Aid Stations are positioned around The Mackenzie race courses at approximately the following points:

170km The Drover Race:

• 40km "Smoko Break"
• 70km "Woolshed"
• 105km "Shepherds Hut"
• 120km "Musterers Rest"
• 145km "The Shearer's Quarters"

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. 

Musterers Rest Aid Station is a café style stop with tables and chairs looking out over the lake and the Macaulay River. In 2025 there will be bacon butties along with other food. 

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

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.