The MAGNIficent

MAG 2 Budget released:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lNykIlC5HuN3xRVa6Ic6rVaJhQSTRKa5/view?usp=sharing

We've just submitted our final accountability report and can now release MAG2's budget. And for those interested, this year we've included more detail, including figures on how we managed to overcome a significant deficit in our projected costs. This deficit arose when a substantial grant didn't come through and our revenue was a bit lighter than anticipated, due in part to a number of MAG 2 teams having rollover 'credit' towards entry after not being able to attend MAG 1 and withdrawing late in the game.

There are certainly plenty of ways to 'skin the cat' of epic expedition adventure race production, and they won't all look the same. This budget provides a glimpse behind the scenes of how we're able to produce the MAGNIficent (which we'd politely argue is an epic expedition adventure race) on what some might call the smell of an oily rag.

Oily rags aside, we believe in transparency here--racing is a big commitment in time and money--and we really appreciate when teams choose to put their trust in our efforts (in both forms of currency) to provide an experience were the value matches that commitment.

Ngā mihi,
The MAGNIficent team

We're getting excited about the MAG 3 course and have had good fun (some of it type 2 of course) doing early winter recces.

It helps when those missions take you above the inversion layer! Teams should expect a wee bit more elevation this year, but plenty of open tops to go with it!

It's shaping up to be another epic course.

Sign up before we fill...

www.themagnificentnz.com

Adventure racing is never black and white.

It’s tired bodies and minds, changing weather, highs, lows, and long stretches of uncertainty. But somehow... the moments that shape you most are always crystal clear and come later on— the grit, the teamwork, the getting lost then found again, and the decision to keep moving on when quitting would’ve been easier.

What a beautiful sport this is- to be able to immerse yourself for long stretches of time in both uncomfortability and awe- and then come out the otherside with a whole new story and perspective is such a gift.

Have you signed up yet for the MAGNIficent?? We are 1/3rd full and are so, so excited to share our backyard with you.

www.themagnificentnz.com

Chain Hills is the latest team to throw their hat in the ring for MAG 3. Captain Jim Cotter is no stranger to expedition events, and is likely one of NZ's most experienced racers. He'll be joined by two of his daughters this year making it almost a family affair. Rounding out the squad is Pieter Britts, a solid racer in his own right. They missed MAG 2 but were one of the few teams to get all the available CPs in MAG 1 so we're looking forward to seeing how they go. That's 8 spots gone, just more than 25% full.

The team at the MAGNIficent have been champions of young adventurers since way before it was cool. We're beyond stoked that AR culture, even at the expedition level, has now become fertile ground for youth involvement. Towards that end we're proud to announce 5 youth spots for MAGNIficent 3. These spots are reserved for teams where all members are 23 or under on race day, and are discounted to $1k NZD per team (80% off early bird race fees). Spots are by application.

With MAG 3 being slightly shorter than previous editions, and well after exams, it's a great opportunity for new but ambitious young teams looking to take on an expedition length event to step up, or for experienced young teams (you know who you are) to make their mark on a global stage.

To register your interest, email the RDs at [email protected] to request a link to formally apply for a spot.

Got lost in MAG2? Need some more Nav practice before tackling MAG 3? FEAR's Winter Adventure Rogaines are back for 2026. A dirt-bag navigator's dream, these events are high value, tough, and as cheap as chips. Check it out and put 'em on your calendar this winter.

2026's Winter Adventure Rogaine's are just around the corner, so save the dates!

WAR #1: June 21. Coal Hill (outside Mossburn). Celebrate the shortest day of the year by making the most it! Get lost while bashing though scrub, climbing big hills, and cross freezing rivers (classic FEAR type 2 fun) before hitting the pub in Mossburn or Te Anau to warm up and refuel.

WAR #2: July 19th. Motu Bush (outside Clifden). Another new area (exploring new spots is half the fun!). Complex terrain and a mid-way road and trail system to allow for a bit of fast-travel and reorienting. This one will deliver the full Fiordland Bush experience and is roughly equidistant between Te Anau and Invers...

WAR #3: August 16. Southern Longwoods (near Colac Bay). Our final WAR of the season heads South towards the bottom of the Te Araroa trail and the notorious Longwoods. A high trail and low water-race frame in the course which promises to deliver enough late winter mud to satisfy even the most eager FEAR rogainer.

And look everyone, costs are going up. Fuel is more and more dear, and times are a bit tougher than many of us would like. But getting out and spending time with good folks, exploring and getting lost with mates, and reminding your body what it's capable of is perhaps more important than ever. So despite our rising expenses we're going to keep prices the same as they have been since the beginning. And if even this is too much, then just get in touch and we'll sort something out. We don't want cost to be a barrier to participation.

For now save the dates! We'll post again soon with a link for signing up, so make sure you're following us if you're not already!

Ngaa Mihi everyone!

The MAGNIficent has all the big race energy that racers love - but also, it comes with out all the nonsense.

We have built it to be fair, honest, and totally worth it. From check in, to race start, to the time on the course, to the finish to the ceremony - it's all there and it's all totally meaningful in all the right ways.

It's fully unsupported, there's a level playing field and there's no unnecessary fluff or "show".

It's just you, your team and everything you have to carry (which also makes sense).

We don't ever make it longer just "because" and whether you go for all the points or not - it will feel like a full on expedition.

The MAGNIficent will have you talking about it for years, and while it doesn't come with a warning, this race will:

Have you coming back for more.
Make you do things you never thought possible.
Change you.

We only have 30 spots available and we are already starting to fill.

5000NZD
Good humans. Hard racing.
That’s Magnificent.

www.themagnificentnz.com

Pics by our amazing media crew.