613 kilometres, and almost 16,000 metres of elevation: that was the challenge facing Team Macpac, and every other team racing through New Zealand’s Marlborough region for the Chapter 12 of the world’s longest, multi-day, expedition-length adventure race:

GODZONE.

Across remote valleys, technical waterways and weather that couldn’t care less about how the teams was feeling, competitors pushed through days of continuous racing with little sleep and no guarantees things would go to plan.

For Team Macpac, GODZONE Chapter 12: Marlborough became much more than a test of endurance. It was a lesson in adaptability, resilience, and teamwork kept alive with a few solid sessions of toothbrush karaoke to fight through the sleep deprivation. Through long days bashing through bush, long nights spent navigating through fatigue and challenging conditions (occasionally on a tow rope) every kilometre demanded problem-solving as much as physical effort.

Here’s a look at the highs, lows, and lessons of GODZONE Chapter 12 through the eyes of Team Macpac, their arsenal of Macpac gear that saw them though, and what they’re taking forward as attention turns to GODZONE Chapter 13: Aoraki/Mount Cook.

GODZONE Chapter 12 Highlights

The GODZONE Chapter 12 Macpac team (Nat Hill, Alastair McDowell, Jake Vargo, Meg Armon) faced 9 gruelling stages spanning the Marlborough region of New Zealand’s South Island, taking them on a 613km journey where their mettle was well and truly tested. Here’s a couple of moments from out on the course that paint a good picture of what teams were up against:

Camping on Mt. Barometer

After traversing over 150km on bike and foot, the team ascended Mt Barometer (a 1,780m peak in the Black Birch Range of Marlborough) in the dark to get some well-deserved shuteye... or at least try to. Armed with the ultralight, ultra-compact, Macpac Astral 2-Person Trekking Pole Tent, the team set up camp atop the rocks in gale force winds.

“Camping on Mt Barometer, the wind was smashing us in the early hours of the morning. My side tent pole was pushed over and pegs pulled out the rocky ground forcing the tent onto me — I couldn’t move against the force of the wind to do anything about it. I have a memory looking out under the fly smashing around seeing Jake’s bare feet jumping around on the rocks putting it back up. An absolute life saver.” – Nat Hill

“The Astral kept our team punching for another day. We were freezing cold, really out in the elements, and that tent really protected our team from getting smashed.” – Jake Vargo 

Tackling the Sounds

The team were dark zoned (where racing activity, commonly water activity, is restricted for safety reasons — usually because of darkness) during the Wairau Pelorus Packraft Trek stage of the race. They chose to pitch a tent in the rain to get a (brief) sleep before cruising onwards, and after a soggy couple of hours, they were back on the move.

With rafts inflated and the weather showing no signs of easing, the team pushed out into the choppy waters of the Marlborough Sounds. Strong winds whipped across the water’s surface, and the team was forced to think carefully about their approach. Gusts threatened to spin the rafts off course, and the swells continued to build around them.

Paddling directly into a fierce headwind, the team battled crashing waves of salt water (sea spray or tears, Jake wasn’t sure). Mussel farm lines added another obstacle, and the rising swells sent the rafts sailing through the air before plummeting back into turbulent water. As the conditions worsened around Team Macpac, the possibility of a capsize became increasingly real.

Refusing to let the water and weather get the better of them, Jake stood up and launched into a haka, rallying the team for the final push.

"I've never seen Nat paddle so fast, the cadence was impressive. The haka was emotional."  – Jake Vargo

The team eventually reached what Jake calls “million dollar bay”, relieved to have the crossing behind them.

The Gear that Carried our Team

Accompanying the team on the course was an arsenal of Macpac gear tat them through some of the toughest (and most memorable!) moments of the race. Here’s a few of their favourites. 

Traverse Rain Jacket

The Traverse Rain Jacket made an extensive appearance in Chapter 12, supporting Team Macpac as they fought Marlborough’s weather. An especially important layer in the packrafting stages in the outer sounds, the seam-sealed outer layer was perfect for high-intensity water and terrain traversal.

“The Macpac Traverse jacket saved me, emerging from the tent on Day 6, straight into the rain and having to jump straight into the stormy Marlborough Sounds with the howling wind and spray. While I was still a bit chilly, I was not hypothermic!” – Alastair McDowell

Nitro Fleece Pullover

A beloved staple of our Alpine Series, the Nitro received glowing praise from the team. It was worn across most legs of the race, and it was brilliant in conditions where temperatures couldn’t make up their mind.

“How can the Nitro be so thin, and tiny, and feel like an instant radiator? I love it.” – Nat Hill 

Nazomi Waterproof Pants

When the team got to the top of Acheron Saddle in Stage 4, Nat was verging on hypothermic. Horizontal rain and wind had smashed the team on the bike carry, and they’d only stopped long enough to wrestle their jackets on. Finally finding a rock to take shelter behind, the team pulled the Nazomi Waterproof Pants from their saddle bags.

“I was uncontrollably shaking by the time Meg and Jake got there, but as soon as the Nazomis were on my legs they made a world of difference. They were awesome for a wind break, and a river break — they made tackling the cold water that much easier.” – Nat Hill

Astral Tent

Our newest ultralight hiking pole tent got more than a good test during Stage 3 of the race. Intended for 2 people in three-season conditions, the team pushed the tent to its absolute limits.

“The Astral tent definitely got tested! Four people, 80km winds, on the summit of a mountain. Given that scenario, it handled it incredibly well. Four adults in those conditions is hardly a standard test case!" – Meg Armon

Pulsar Hooded Jacket 

The PrimaLoft® Gold P.U.R.E.™ filled Macpac Pulsar Hooded Jacket is a bit of a weapon in GODZONE-like conditions. Another staple of our Alpine Series, the Pulsar thrives in the cold and is exceptionally warm for its weight.

“The Pulsar saved me on the climb up to Acheron Saddle when the rain really hit hard and we were shuttling bikes. Having that extra layer meant I didn't have to worry as much about stopping for periods of time, and I stayed warm in the rain.” – Alastair McDowell 

Looking Ahead to GODZONE Chapter 13: Aoraki | Mt. Cook

Ahead of the upcoming Chapter 13: Aoraki Mt Cook, we asked some of team for their thoughts on 2027’s race location.

“I can’t wait, it’ll be an awesome adventure. I’ve spent some time around the area doing a bit of climbing, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the course shapes up. There’ll be lots of cold water, lots of windy days, and it’ll be good to test ourselves against the elements.” – Jake Vargo

“I couldn’t be more excited, I’ve spent minimal time exploring the area. Off the back of Nepal, I’ll have strong legs and lungs from being altitude for 2 months, but my personal race in the lead up to Chapter 13 will be to build strength back in my upper body for kayaking!” – Nat Hill

GODZONE’s newest instalment in the world’s largest expedition adventure race — Chapter 13: Aoraki Mt Cook — kicks off in the Mackenzie District of New Zealand’s South Island on February 25, 2027. We’ll be there with the team on the ground as they gear up for another race of tramping, mountain-biking, packrafting, ropes, navigation, and a few surprises GODZONE will keep under wraps until race day.

We’re looking forward to seeing Team Macpac get stuck in to what will be GODZONE’s biggest adventure yet, featuring alpine country on a scale like nowhere else in New Zealand. It’ll put them out of their comfort zone, and push them to their very limits, and of course we’ll be there to support them with real good kiwi gear for every step of the way.

(And hey, you can shop adventure race approved gear, too!)

Until then, the countdown is on. Bring on Chapter 13!