Antarctic Marathon

Embark on the Ultimate Adventure: Your 2026 Antarctic Marathon Itinerary in New Zealand

Are you ready to combine your love for running with the thrill of exploration? The Antarctic Marathon in 2026 promises an extraordinary adventure, and starting your journey in New Zealand is the perfect way to prepare, explore, and immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes. At Expedition Marathon, we’ve crafted a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your trip — from iconic sights to essential acclimatization, all leading up to the epic race in Antarctica.

Pre-Departure: Arrival in New Zealand (Auckland or Christchurch)
Day 1-3: Welcome to New Zealand

Arrive in Auckland or Christchurch, the gateways to your adventure.
Settle into your accommodation, relax, and recover from your journey.
Take a day to explore the vibrant city, enjoy local cuisine, and prepare your gear for the upcoming journey.
Highlights:

Auckland: Sky Tower, Viaduct Harbour, Waiheke Island
Christchurch: Botanic Gardens, Re:START Mall, nearby Port Hills
Stage 1: Acclimatization & Training (Days 4-10)
Day 4-7: Adventure & Light Training

Engage in light runs around the city or nearby scenic trails.
Consider introductory hikes or scenic flights over glaciers and fjords to acclimate to the diverse New Zealand landscapes.
Attend marathon briefings, gear checks, and meet fellow runners.
Day 8-10: Explore & Prepare

Take a day trip to nearby national parks like Aoraki/Mount Cook or Fiordland for breathtaking scenery.
Focus on hydration, rest, and adjusting to the time zone if coming from overseas.
Stage 2: Travel to Antarctica (Days 11-12)
Day 11: Departure from New Zealand

Embark on your charter flight from Christchurch or Invercargill to the Antarctic continent (typically via specialized flights to McMurdo Station or other designated locations).
Enjoy stunning aerial views of icy landscapes and glaciers as you approach Antarctica.
Day 12: Arrive in Antarctica

Transfer to your designated research station or expedition base.
Attend orientation sessions, safety briefings, and acclimatize further.
Stage 3: Antarctic Marathon & Exploration (Days 13-16)
Day 13: Rest & Preparation

Rest day to conserve energy for race day.
Final gear checks and strategy discussions.
Day 14: Race Day — Antarctic Marathon

Experience running on a truly unique course, with icy vistas, snow-capped mountains, and possibly penguins and seals as your spectators.
Post-race celebration and recovery activities.
Day 15-16: Exploration & Departure

Take optional excursions: zodiac cruises, ice field explorations, or visits to scientific stations.
Reflect on your incredible journey before preparing to depart Antarctica.
Return & Reflection (Days 17-20)
Day 17-18: Travel Back to New Zealand

Fly back to Christchurch or Auckland, enjoying the last of the Antarctic views from above.
Spend a day relaxing and celebrating your achievement.
Day 19-20: Explore New Zealand’s South Island

Extend your stay with scenic drives through Fiordland, visits to Queenstown, Wanaka, or the Southern Alps.
Capture memories and enjoy the natural beauty that makes New Zealand a world-renowned adventure destination.
Why Choose This Itinerary?
Preparation & Acclimatization: Starting in New Zealand ensures you’re physically and mentally ready for the extreme environment of Antarctica.
Scenic Diversity: From vibrant cities to majestic mountains and glaciers, New Zealand offers unmatched landscapes.
Seamless Logistics: Our suggested itinerary aligns travel, acclimatization, and race schedules for a smooth experience.
Unforgettable Experience: Combining a marathon with Antarctic exploration creates memories of a lifetime.
Ready to Embark?
Join us in 2026 for the Antarctic Marathon — a race like no other. Our team at Expedition Marathon is here to help you plan every step of this extraordinary journey. Prepare to challenge yourself, explore new horizons, and be part of an epic adventure.

For more information and personalized planning, contact us today!

Stay tuned for updates, training tips, and more on www.expeditionmarathon.co.nz. Let’s make 2026 the year you conquer the ultimate marathon!