New Zealand National Rogaining Championships
New Zealand Rogaining Association
NATIONAL ROGAINE CHAMPS - Report
Date: Saturday, 22nd November 2025
Location: Lake McKay Station, Luggate (near Wanaka, South Island)
This year’s national championship was held in a truly stunning location in perfect weather! The terrain stretched from bike trails along the Clutha River right up to 1300m on the Pisa Range with views of lakes and snowy mountains of Central Otago. Route planning presented challenges with steep valleys, rocky bluffs and impenetrable bush between ridges. If you’ve never rogained in NZ you will not have experienced the vicious delights of rampant matagouri bushes, gorse and briar roses. On the flat, careful navigation was required when overgrown farm tracks dived off bike trails.
Organiser Terry Davis, of Highland Events, had to make a late change of location. He had planned to use the Snow Farm, a cross-country ski area in the Pisa Conservation Area, but had permission refused by the Department of Conservation due to the presence of nesting Banded Dotterel birds.
Entries were affect by the Godzone Adventure Race being held less than a week later, cutting out some of the stars, with 40 teams entering the 24 hour event. A 15 Hour option was offered again this year This uses the same map as the 24 Hour but there is a compulsory continuous 7 hour stand down period within the 24 hours, at a time of your choosing. The 6 hour and 3 hour options, on the same course with different controls and different start times, were popular with families and beginners.
Results show some creditable achievements in all categories with the overall winners, Jonty and Tiaan Mckinnel, almost clearing the field!
You can also check out the winning routes on rogaine-results.
