To the ALS United community across the United States: You have run the city streets, the local trails, and the suburban paths to raise awareness and funds. Now, we invite you to take your mission to the most breathtaking finish line in the Southern Hemisphere…..Queenstown, New Zealand!

Welcome to the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon as listed in “Forbes 12 Marathons Worth Traveling For In 2026”

Sports Travel Downunder is proud to present an exclusive Queenstown Marathon Charity Package, specifically curated for runners and supporters dedicated to the fight against ALS.

This package is also available to anyone who wants to support this amazing charity!

From the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the rugged peaks of the Remarkables, this isn’t just a marathon—it’s a celebration of your resilience and the impact you’ve made. We have designed a 5-star experience so that your only focus is the 26.2 miles ahead and the community you represent as well as soaking up stunning sights in Queenstown, New Zealand!

Marvel at awe-inspiring mountains, pristine lakes, and vineyards in the Queenstown Lakes District, New Zealand. This is the world’s most scenic marathon! Our fully supported tour takes care of everything so you can focus on running your best race and soaking up the adventure. All you need to sort are your flights, we will take care of the rest.

If you would like to fundraise for ALS United you are more than welcome to! This would be optional fundraising and have no set target. Just let us know and we can arrange that for you.

Date: 14 November 2026
Duration: 3 nights
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand

Package Includes

• 3 nights luxury hotel accommodation at Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa. This hotel offers luxurious accommodation with stunning lake views. Enjoy world-class amenities like the indoor pool, spa, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
• Daily breakfast & pre-race pasta dinner
• Donation to ALS United Illinois
• Welcome reception
• Queenstown Gondola and luge experience
• Group trip to & from the marathon expo
• Private transfers to race start
• Post race celebration
• 6 water taxi vouchers per person
• Goodie bag + custom tour t-shirt
• All taxes & gratuities; pricing in USD
• Experienced Sports Travel Downunder team for pre-booking communications
• Experienced Sports Travel Downunder guides on call 24/7 for entire package

Note: Race entry is an additional $145 USD- we will send your race entry link when booking form is received

Package Pricing:

Hilton Queenstown King – Single – $2,995

• All packages are priced per person based on single occupancy. 1 person traveling.

• Bed Type: One King Bed

• Lake View: view of Lake Wakatipu

• Enjoy a private room to yourself

The hotel has a heated indoor pool, full-service spa, fitness center with Precor equipment, outdoor terrace with lake views, and multiple dining options.

Hilton Queenstown King – Double $2,195 Runner $1,995 Supporter

• All packages are priced per person, based on Double Occupancy (pricing requires 2 packages booked)

• Bed Type: One King Bed 

• Lake View: view of Lake Wakatipu

 The hotel has a heated indoor pool, full-service spa, fitness center with Precor equipment, outdoor terrace with lake views, and multiple dining options.

Hilton Queenstown Twin Share $2,195 Runner $1,995 Supporter

• Package is priced per person based on twin occupancy- 2 people traveling

• Bed Type: 2 Single Beds; Requires 2 packages booked

• Lake View: view of Lake Wakatipu

The hotel has a heated indoor pool, full-service spa, fitness center with Precor equipment, outdoor terrace with lake views, and multiple dining options.

Additional Nights – enquire with us if you would like to extend your stay or register interest for the Queenstown add-on 2 night package. Triple share – enquire with us.

Not Included

• Airfares
• Race Entry
• Airport/hotel transfers
• Travel Insurance
• Meals unless specified
• Visas
• Not listed – anything not listed in the package programming

Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Queenstown! Thurs 12th November – Check-in at the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa from 3pm, meet your Sports Travel Downunder reps and expo visit.

Day 2 – Fri 13th November – After breakfast, we make our way across the lake to the gondola and thrilling luge ride. Have your camera ready for beautiful vistas of Queenstown then race down the luge track (optional) we then have lunch before heading back to Queenstown. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy, experience more of what beautiful Queenstown has to offer. We meet-up later for a pre-race pasta dinner.

Day 3 – Sat 14th November – Race Day! Enjoy an early race day breakfast, we then make our way to the start line. We will meet you at the race finish area and take you back to the hotel to relax and rest or book in to the Hilton spa for a post-race massage. Later, join us for a post race celebration drink, then the night is yours to enjoy in vibrant Queenstown.

Day 4 – Sun 15th November – Check-out at 11am. We wish you a safe trip home or take some more time and extend your stay with our Queenstown add-on package.

*Itinerary subject to change. Final itinerary will be sent 3 weeks prior to departure.

Event Information

• Marathon race start 8.20 am
• Half Marathon start 8.00am
• Aid stations on the course (with water, PURE Electrolyte Hydration, toilets and first aid)
• Post-event recovery area at the finish area with food and drink
• Category Winners Awards

Course Overview

Easy running on a mainly flat course, with a few undulations to keep it interesting. The course offers a unique mix of running terrain, with 70% of the course on smooth hard packed trails and 30% on road.

The course takes in the best highlights of the region including Millbrook, Arrowtown, Arrow River, Lake Hayes, Old Shotover Bridge, Twin Rivers trail, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Gardens. https://queenstown-marathon.co.nz/

Eligibility

• Marathon entrants must be 18 years of age on race day.
• Half-Marathon entrants must be 16 years of age.

Time Limit

The course time limit is seven (7) hours, with specific cut-off times at various points.

Temperature

Average temperatures range from 42 – 71 F (6 – 22°C) Please remember this is an alpine environment so conditions can change rapidly.

Rates

All taxes and pricing in USD. Land prices may change due to currency fluctuations.

Reservations and Payments

A completed booking form along with a deposit of $500 per person must be received when booking before confirming your reservation. Final payment is due by 14 August 2026. Once we receive your deposit we will send you your race link to book your spot.

Cancellations

All payments, including deposits, are non-refundable.

Insurance

Trip cancellation, baggage, health, and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants.

All travellers must secure their own electronic visa to enter New Zealand and any required documentation.