Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand
The Queenstown Marathon is New Zealand's most scenic destination race, drawing about 4,500 finishers each November on a net-downhill point-to-point from Tekapo to Queenstown. The course follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu and passes through Gibbston Valley wine country with Remarkables mountain views. November late-spring weather and alpine scenery make it a bucket-list Oceania marathon.
Queenstown Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Queenstown Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 15 November 2026 with a 8:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 180 m of climbing on a net downhill with rolling terrain layout.
The Queenstown Marathon is a point-to-point South Island course from the Kawarau Gorge to the Queenstown waterfront, following the Kawarau River past Gibbston Valley vineyards with Remarkables views near the finish. The net-downhill opening miles are the easiest and fastest, while the rolling gorge sections and late undulations become tougher once the early descent is gone. Spectator support is strongest at the Queenstown lakefront finish, with additional clusters at organised points along the gorge and vineyard roads.
The Queenstown Marathon course is net downhill with rolling terrain over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 180 metres of climbing and 220 metres of descent, with a net descent of 40 metres from start to finish.
The Queenstown Marathon uses open registration at queenstownmarathon.co.nz with no ballot or qualifying standard, but the November race sells out reliably each year given demand for the lakes-and-mountains course. Sign-up typically opens in February. International runners use the same online portal and should register as early as possible.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Queenstown.
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