All Blacks great Richie McCaw backing GodZone's return

It's an event that showcases the best of New Zealand's wilderness — and the best of our athletes too. Which is why All Blacks great Richie McCaw, is spearheading a trust to restore it.

"When GodZone was no longer running, a part of me felt very disappointed because of all the things I got out of doing the race," said McCaw.

"Adventure racing tests you, not only physically, but mentally as well, the team aspects — all those things that go together — that's the bit I loved about it and why I want to see others get the opportunity as well."

McCaw — who has lined up for the event four times — is one of the high-profile people behind the Pure Adventure Racing Charitable Trust. Also on board are New Zealand Players Association CEO Rob Nichol, world champion adventure racer Sophie Hart, One NZ GodZone race director Adam Fairmaid, triathlete Michael Frey, AWS Legal lawyer and representative rugby coach Damien Pine, and Southland adventure racers Chris Stewart and David Grange.

Many of the trustees have raced GodZone before.

"All of us are enthusiasts of the sport," said Nichol. "We care about the country and kids and its future — so, the idea of bringing back something like GodZone working with the people who built it into what it was before it stopped — it's been easy."

The revival comes after the event was cancelled in 2024, due to a concession application being held up by the Department of Conservation.

But, in 2025, DOC was now "fully supportive" of the event being reinstated under the Pure Adventure Racing Charitable Trust structure.

"We look forward to working with the trust to ensure the event is planned and run in a way that protects our unique landscapes and ecosystems while highlighting some of Aotearoa's special places," a spokesperson for DOC told 1News.

Nichol said the return of GodZone had one key change under the trust structure.

"We're really grateful to have worked with those who have built the race over 10 years, while bringing in new people and new energy, and now it's returning as part of a charitable trust that will have a wider sense of purpose — growing the sport and helping New Zealanders access the outdoors in our wonderful country," he said.

One New Zealand coming on board as a title sponsor had also given the trust full confidence to announce the race would be back within the next 12 months — with a location yet to be revealed.

Trustee Sophie Hart — who has won GodZone with Avaya five times — said the event's return was important for the multi-day, multi-sport landscape.

"We've got really strong youth teams on the circuit which is exciting and, if you want to compete internationally, you have to have a race in your backyard that is of international quality," she said.

As for whether McCaw would line up once again: "I swore after last time I'd never do another one but amazing how memories fade and you go 'Oh, maybe I could'. Who knows?"