All Blacks legend to drop in at Rapaura for GODZONE launch
This group of Rapaura kids are thrilled that legendary All Black Richie McCaw will be flying into their school next week. Back row, from left: Lawson Flowerday, Tom McRae, Archie Allison, Mila Scott. Front row, from left: Willa Connor, Braxton Lang, Noah Flowerday, Jimmy Neal. Photo supplied.
The iconic GODZONE expedition adventure race is a renowned test of resilience, stamina and skill.
So, who better to headline the lead-up to GODZONE Chapter 12, which is being staged in Marlborough from the November 27 to December 5, than a man who has epitomised those attributes on the rugby field?
Richie McCaw, who played 148 tests for the All Blacks from 2001-2015, has also completed several GODZONE events alongside good pal Rob Nichol, the current New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association chief executive.
The pair will kick off an exciting 10 days in the top of the south when they take part in a community engagement event at Rapaura School on Wednesday, 26 November.
The action starts at midday when Richie, a licensed helicopter pilot, will land a chopper in the school grounds, he and Rob being greeted by a kapa haka welcome from students and staff.
Following that, the Rapaura kids will have to chance to put some questions to their guests, who will discuss the challenges of the forthcoming GODZONE and give the students a chance to check out the gear required.
Then Richie will present a personally-signed All Blacks jersey to the lucky raffle winner before partaking in a skills session with the youngsters and a few Mako squad members.
The event will conclude around 3pm with a game of mini touch rugby between Rapaura and Country Schools teams, while a sausage sizzle will be in operation and spot prizes handed out.
The event, which came about when Rapaura parents reached out to Rob with a view to create a community day to showcase the small country school, is open to members of the public.
A new adventure racing charitable trust, fronted by Richie, has facilitated GODZONE’s return, after a two-year hiatus.
The event involves up to 100 teams of four who hike, bike, kayak and pack raft through remote regions for up to nine days, covering around 600km, in an ultimate test of navigation and survival.
“Marlborough is a showcase of some of New Zealand’s best adventurous locations that we are eager for teams to explore,” says Rob, the Trust Chairperson. “There is an extensive network of natural coastal waterways, peninsulas and islands alongside intricate coastal forests and skyline ridges creating a myriad of options for setting a world-class course.”
“Completing the challenge will take navigation, bush, biking and water skills along with a depth of perseverance, character and teamwork that is within us all. That's what makes it such a thrilling experience … " he added.
Quick Facts
What: One NZ GODZONE Chapter 12
When: November 27 - December 5, 2025
Where: Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand/Welcome & Registration Host
Course: The 550+ km course route remains a secret until the event starts