The NZ MTB Rally is an enduro race like no other, and it’s back again for 2025!
The NZ MTB Rally is a week-long enduro-format adventure, traversing New Zealand’s ‘undiscovered’ top-of-the-south region. Comprising world-class trails in a pristine backcountry environment, sandwiched between three national parks. 120 international competitors will complete a circular itinerary out of Nelson, taking in both historic tracks and IMBA gold-level bike-trails.
Amateurs alongside seasoned pros; this race is a bucket-list adventure as much as it is a competition….with properly rad logistics: “if there’s a road, we’ll shuttle it. When that road gets rough, we’ll take our 4x4s. Where there’s no road at all, we’ll jump in our helicopters. And when there’s nothing but water…we’ll go by boat.”
The very best of the Top of the South
The Rally’s circular itinerary comprises an original route conceived especially for the race; sandwiched between 3 National Parks, taking in a blend of both historic backcountry tracks and purpose built MTB trails. But if you’re thinking machine-build bike park, you’ll be in for a surprise. The trails in Nelson and the surrounding area consist almost entirely of hand-built singletrack built by an enthusiastic local MTB community comprising over 3000 active members.
In simple terms, NZ MTB Rally is an uplift-assisted enduro race. With 4 to 6 gravity-biased race stages per day, connected by scenic backcountry liaisons and shuttled uplifts using 4×4, helicopter, and boat. Visiting a notably different ride-spot each day, from three different basecamp locations. It’s a route that gives the impression of going on a coherent journey, with a purpose, rather than simply cruising from one bike park to the next on a coach tour.
To BOOK YOUR SPOT on the NZ MTB RALLY or find out more, CLICK HERE!
The NZ MTB Rally is not “only” a race…?
Whilst it’s a race, our expectations are that at least half of the 120-rider start list will be here for the adventure, awesome trails, beautiful scenery, and party vibes; not necessarily keeping a close eye on their finishing times.
And likely showing only the vaguest of interest in the heroic fight for the podium going on at the top of the field. Or at least, that’s what they are pretending is gonna happen. (What actually happens once you’re between the tapes, is anyone’s guess and plans of ‘just taking it easy’ and ‘I’m not really here to race’ are often forgotten).
NZ MTB Rally is a party-to-pedal ratio of well over 2 to 1: our typical day averages 600 – 1200m climb and 2300 to 3000m descent. For those who don’t relish shouldering their bike, fear not: we’re not into it either. “Hike-a-bike? Hell Nah, Bro! Why walk, when you can take The Heli?” (preferably quipped whilst wearing aviator sunglasses and singlet, mullet shimmering in the breeze. Then casually popping the cap on a cold kiwi beer you just pulled from the overflowing cool box full of bevvies that you’ve stashed in the trunk of your pickup; conveniently there all along…almost as if waiting for this very moment of manly glory).
Over the week, we average about 70% backcountry and 30% bike-park stages, although when the park stuff is hand-cut beech forest goodness, we’ll forgive you if you struggle to notice the difference. We’ll throw in a groomer most days, but if you’re here for a proper Kiwi adventure… you’ve come to the right place.
WHEN? – 22nd-29th MARCH 2025 – BOOK NOW!!!!
What’s the NZ MTB RALLY?
NZ MTB Rally is a week-long enduro-format adventure, traversing New Zealand’s ‘undiscovered’ top-of-the-south region. Comprising world-class trails in a pristine backcountry environment, sandwiched between three national parks.
120 international competitors will complete a circular itinerary out of Nelson, taking in both historic tracks and IMBA gold-level bike-trails.
Amateurs alongside seasoned pros; this race is a bucket-list adventure as much as it is a competition….with properly rad logistics: if there’s a road, we’ll shuttle it. When that road gets rough, we’ll take our 4x4s. Where there’s no road at all, we’ll jump in our helicopters. And when there’s nothing but water…we’ll go by boat.
To BOOK YOUR SPOT on the NZ MTB RALLY or find out more, CLICK HERE!
Who’s Racing?
Whilst it’s a race, our expectations are that at least half of the 120-riders will be here for the adventure, awesome trails, beautiful scenery, and party vibes; not necessarily keeping a close eye on their finishing times.
And amongst these 120 riders are some serious competitors, 6 names seems to have a big chance to be found on top of the podium at the end of the week :
Matt Fairbrother – DEVIATE
2024 NZ MTB RALLY WINNER – Fully unsupported
The young kiwi-grown adventurer has marked the spirit last year by not only completing the NZ Rally fully un-supported, but also winning the whole race at the same time !
He’s back for this second edition, as a regular rider. Let’s see how fast he can ride when not exhausted after a 7 hours kayaking night ! (read his crazy story – 2024) – @matthewfmtb
Kilian Bron – COMMENCAL
He is probably the most famous French enduro rider, known for his creative line choices, and daring stunts in challenging terrains, in scenic & remoted area in the world to showcase them in breath-taking, high quality movies !
And if he’s really talented in producing amazing content, he’s also really fast ! He’s 4x winner of the Mountain Of Hell and twice second at Megavalanche Alpe d’Huez. @kilianbron
Sam Blenkinsop – ZERODE
He is a highly accomplished professional downhill mountain biker from New Zealand, renowned for his aggressive riding style and exceptional skills on steep, technical tracks. Sam will be representing our main sponsor, the kiwi brand ZERODE Bikes ! The bets are on! @samblenkinsop
Tuhoto-Ariki PENE – ZERODE
Tuhoto-Ariki Pene, is a Maori professional mountain bike rider specializing in downhill racing. With a background in BMX, he transitioned to mountain biking and quickly made his mark by securing a bronze medal at the 2019 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in the Junior category.
His impressive performances include a 14th-place finish at the 2021 World Championships in Val di Sole and victories in the IXS Downhill European Cup in Pila.
Known for his dynamic riding style and rapid ascent in the international downhill scene, Tuhoto-Ariki continues to represent New Zealand on the world stage and he will for sure try to take the win on his lands at the NZ MTB RALLY ! @tuhuto_ariki
Matt WALKER – PIVOT
A powerhouse in both Enduro and Downhill, Matt Walker has proven himself on the world stage with standout results in the Enduro World Series (EWS) and Crankworx events. A former NZ Elite Downhill National Champion, he’s claimed multiple EWS Top 10 finishes and podiums at some of the toughest races worldwide.
Known for his aggressive yet precise riding, Matt excels on steep, technical terrain—making him a perfect fit for the New Zealand MTB Rally. Get ready to see him charge full speed through NZ’s wild backcountry! 🚵♂️💨 @mattjwalker
Ed Masters – PIVOT
Edward “Eddie” Masters, is a prominent Kiwi professional mountain bike rider known for his dynamic presence in both downhill and enduro disciplines. Starting his racing career in 2004, Eddie turned professional in 2014 and has since achieved significant milestones, including a first-place finish at the 2019 Enduro World Series in Les Orres.
Beyond his racing accomplishments, Eddie is celebrated for his vibrant personality and humor, often sharing satirical content that resonates with the mountain biking community.
Unfortunately, Ed had a bad crash recently and will not be able to race, but he might be around the event! @edmasters
To BOOK YOUR SPOT or find out more, CLICK HERE!
