Race Info

Date - Thursday 15th January - Sunday 18th January (2026)

Briefing - 9am, Thursday 15th January, Welcome Rock Woolshed, ### McLean Rd, Garston. Southland, NZ

Race Start - 12pm(Noon) Thursday 15th January - Garston Ski Hut, Nevis Road

Course - The race is 4 laps around Welcome Rock Station. Each lap is approximately 50k with 4000m of vert. There are 14 Check Points (CPs) in a lap which need to be collected in order, each lap is done in the opposite direction to the last. CP locations are independently checked before the race.

Navigation - Each competitor is given 2 copies of the Welcome Rock race map with 14 CPs marked on it. Competitors will need to be able to read a map, identify features and use a compass to find the CPs. Each CP will have an O flag with a punch. No GPS device or watches are permitted throughout the race.

Unsupported Race - This is an unsupported race, friends and family can be there to follow your progress and cheer you on, however, they are unable to help you in any way.

Time Cut Offs - Competitors have 60 hours to complete the 4 laps of the race. We only have one cut off time, you must start lap 4 within 45hrs from the start time. After 60hrs competitors must return to the finish line or arrange pick up from Race control.

Mandatory Gear - Please click here to download the Mandatory Gear list

Water - Welcome Rock is filled with creeks and streams that have water in them, it is up to the competitor if they want to filter this water. Competitors should be able to carry water to last 3 hours. (1.5L)

Teams - Welcome Rock Ultra is an individual race, however, competitors can team up and work together. For 2026 race competitors will not be split up.

Spectators - Friends and Family are welcome to join us for the Race Briefing and the start of the race at at Ski Hut. There will be some marked tracks that spectators can walk during the day to visit the Slate Hut and the high point of the race.

Race Rules - Please Click here to download the Race Rules.

Race BBQ - Post Race Breakfast BBQ will be hosted at 10am on Sunday at the Welcome Rock Woolshed. The BBQ will be brought forward if needed.

Tracking - Each competitor carries a GPS Tracking device provided by the organiser. A link to the tracking page will be posted on our website and social media pages for friends and family to follow.

Event Photos - All photos will be sent out to competitors after the race, free of charge.

Social Media - During the race we will be posting photos and race updates for Friends and family to see.

Travel - Welcome Rock is based in Garston which is a 50min drive from Queenstown Airport. The start (Garston Ski hut) is a 20min drive from Garston up the Nevis Road. This is a gravel road suitible for 2wds.

Accommodation - You will find accommadation for pre and post race in Queenstown, Kingston or Garston. There is also camping available at the Welcome Rock Woolshed from Wednesday with basic amenities. (Toilet and water) Spectators are able to camp at the start (Ski Hut) but please remember the start is 1000m above sea level and rain and wind can make it very cold, suitble camping gear will be needed. (The Ski Hut is used for race control and is not available to use)