Stunning landscape of Queenstown New Zealand with Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range in the background, golden light, scenic and dramatic
Queenstown Marathon 2026
Queenstown Marathon
12-15 Nov 2026
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Queenstown Marathon 2026
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Queenstown Great Food and Dining
DQ Full Use: Shot by Miles Holden during our brand video shoot in summer 2019.
Public Kitchen and Bar
DQ Full Use
DQ Commissioned shoot with Miles Holden
DQ Full Use: Professional image
Taken Autumn 2010
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Lake Views

This lakeside town rests on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, framed by dramatic mountain peaks. Everywhere you look, the scenery feels big, bright, and unforgettable.

Runners on a scenic marathon route in Queenstown New Zealand, with lakes, rivers, forests and mountain views, bright day, energetic atmosphere

Scenic Course

The marathon route winds past clear lakes, rushing rivers, and quiet forest trails. With mountain views around every turn, every mile feels like a postcard moment.

Great Food & Easy Travel

Food & Travel

Discover a lively food scene, from cozy cafés to top-notch restaurants after your run. Getting around is simple and stress-free, so you can relax and enjoy every moment.

Social Experience

Social & Easy

Share the journey with a small group of like-minded runners who love to explore. You will trade stories, cheer each other on, and leave with friendships that last.

The experience

Run beneath the Remarkables along lake-edge trails, then unwind in the adventure capital of the world. Mountain air, mirror lakes and a finish line that feels like a festival.

Package highlights

  • Trail-style course past Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover River
  • 3 nights of luxury lakeside accommodation
  • Daily breakfast
  • Kick off drinks with the team
  • Post race celebration
  • Queenstown gondola & luge experience
  • Private transfers to race start

Packages & pricing

Hilton King – Single$3,995
Hilton King – Double$2,575
Hilton Twin Share$2,575

Per person in NZD. Secure your spot with a $500 deposit. Excludes airfares, race entry and travel insurance.

Whats Included

  • 4-day / 3-night fully hosted travel program
  • Hotel accommodation at the deluxe, 5-star Hilton Queenstown View the Hotel – a beautiful property located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a ferry ride away.
  • Meet-up celebration drinks
  • Private transfers to/from Queenstown Marathon
  • Predeparture communication, travel support, race expertise, travel advice, final travel document
  • Professional & experienced STDU marathoners/guides onsite
  • Breakfast daily, celebration post race dinner & driver gratuities & all taxes
  • Access to guaranteed entry to the Queenstown Marathon (race entry additional for runners )
  • Gondola and Luge experience
  • Race brief Q&A for runners & spectators
  • Race day spectator support
  • Private post-race celebration dinner

Package Itinerary

Thu 12 Nov – Arrival
Welcome to Queenstown. Check in at Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa from 3pm. Settle in, meet the Sports Travel Downunder team and enjoy time to explore
the lakefront and resort surroundings. Hotel check-in from 3pm.
Evening at leisure.

Fri 13 Nov – Explore
Enjoy breakfast and those Queenstown views. Then enjoy our Queenstown Gondola and luge experience. The remainder of the day is yours to soak up all that Queenstown has to offer, visit the expo and collect your race bib and keep the legs fresh ahead of race day.

Sat 14 Nov – Race Day
Your race. Your moment. Early breakfast followed by private transport to the race start. Run your chosen event, soak up the finish-line atmosphere, then return to
the hotel to recover. In the evening, regroup for our post-race celebration dinner.

Sun 15 Nov – Departure
Until next time – Enjoy breakfast, a final lake view and check out by 11am. Continue
your Queenstown stay or make your own onward travel arrangements.
Check-out by 11am.

The Hotel

A lakeside resort and spa close to Queenstown

Find us on the shores of the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu, three kilometers from Queenstown Airport. Queenstown is 10 kilometers away and there’s a water taxi for rides across the lake. Hotel has a heated indoor pool, full-service spa, fitness center with Precor equipment, outdoor terrace with lake views, and multiple dining options. View the hotel

Room Types

HILTON ROOMS:

Single room (1 person/1 King Bed) – Max Occ 1

Double Room (2 people/1 King Bed) – Max Occ 2

Twin Room (2 people/2 twin beds) – Max Occ 2

Deluxe Rooms – Triple (3 people/King + rollaway) – Max Occ 3

How to book your reservation

Packages are sold per person.

Travel programs are designed for runners and spectators alike.

If you are traveling on your own, 1 traveler & 1 person staying in a room, you would select either the a single room.

If you are traveling with 2 people, you need to select the following based on if you want a room with 1 bed or 2 beds:

  • 2 Double Packages
  • 2 Twin Packages

Triple share – we only have options for triple share – please enquire with us

Frequently asked questions

Are flights included?
No. Airfares are not included, giving you the flexibility to choose the airline, routing and travel dates that suit you.

Can a supporter join me?
Absolutely. The package is designed for runners and supporters, subject to room and package availability.


Is race entry included?

No. Race entry is separate. Booked guests will receive the relevant entry information from Sports Travel Downunder.


How do shared rooms work?
Double and twin-share pricing requires two guests sharing the room. Your confirmed room configuration will match your booking.


What happens if I want to stay longer?
Additional nights may be available on request. Contact us before booking flights if you would like to extend your Queenstown stay.


When will I receive exact timings?
The itinerary in this guide is the planned programme. Final operational timings, meeting points and any updates will be sent closer to departure.


What should I bring?
Pack your tested race kit, running shoes, warm layers, a light rain jacket, casual clothing, sun protection and any personal nutrition or medication you rely on. As Queenstown is an alpine environment, conditions can change quickly.

What is the payment schedule? 

To secure your booking an initial non-refundable deposit of $500 per person traveling is due. Final payments are due 12 October 2026. Payments can be made at any point, just contact us. Sports Travel Downunder is happy to set up an additional automatic schedule for you, please let us know.

I am traveling alone but want to book the double and/or twin room?

Double and Twin Room reservation pricing are only applicable for two people sharing the one room. If you find a friend, family member, or other runner in the future to share with you and we still have space, we can update your reservation to the share pricing.

What our runners say about us

Sports Travel Downunder was great! Jodi was super-organised, responsive and positive. Highly recommended.”

Mark Kelly Auckland NZ.

If you are from out of town and want a complete package organised so the whole experience is hassle free then you’ve come to the right place.”

Nick Snooks, Auckland NZ