Waiorau Snowgaine 2026

5/09/2026 Event Postponed to Saturday 19th September

Due to the poor forecast for tomorrow, and that we really want to run our full course (which covers some amazing terrain) we have decided to postpone the snow rogaine until Saturday 19th September. If you have aready entered and are unable to make that weeked, let us know and we will arrange a full refund.

To encourage you all to come along we have also reduced our prices - see below for updated pricing!!!

Click Here for online entries  (Pricing will be updated on entry server soon)

 Come up to the snowfarm and enjoy some winter fun!

The Waiorau Snowgaine is a rogaine with a twist. Teams navigate for 2 or 5 hours to locate as many checkpoints as they can in their chosen time. Competitors can use ski touring gear, snow shoes or cross country skis - the choice is yours! The event is based from the Snow farm and will cover some of the ski trails as well as some awesome backcountry terrain up on the Pisa range.  Competitors need to carry a backpack with spare warm clothes (see gear list) and enough food and drink for 2 or 5 hours exercise.

This event is suitable for all ages and abilities and is very family friendly. We have even had competitors tow their zero year olds around the course in a pulk! We will have a range of courses to cater for children, families and beginner adults. 

After collecting your map you will have some planning time to figure out which checkpoints you are planning. You can go as far you want, or just aim to stick on the nearer trails. Controls are worth different amounts (with the tens number in the control indicating it's value ie - 86 = 80 points).  

Post event you can purchase some food from the Snow Farm cafe or bring your own picnic. We will have a short prize giving around 3pm and are excited to have some great spot prizes from RAB and MT Outdoors 3 Parks Wanaka.

Event Schedule

Saturday 19th September 

8:30 am - Registration and map handout opens for 5 hour event

9:20am - 5 hour event briefing

9:30 am - 5 hour event starts

11:30am - Registration and map handout opens for 2 hour event

12:20pm - 2 hour event briefing

12:30pm - 2 hour event start*

2:30pm - 2 hour and 5 hour event finish

3:00pm - prize giving 

3:30pm - depart snowfarm

*If teams entering the 2 hour want to start earlier this can be arranged by emailing remarkables.orienteering@gmail.com. 

Compulsory Gear

(Per Competitor)

Thermal top and bottom

Waterproof jacket and overtrousers

Warm hat and gloves

Fleece/ insulated jacket

(Per Team)

1 x cell phone

1 x first aid kit

Compass

Further Info

How do I get there?

Located high on the Pisa Range, the Snow Farm is accessed from the Cardrona Valley Road which connects Wanaka and Queenstown.  The road up to Snow Farm is not sealed but is suitable for most vehicles including 2WD cars.

All vehicles travelling to Snow Farm must carry chains in their car in the event it has or is snowing and the road conditions are such that chains must be fitted. Signage on the road will indicate where you should fit chains. These signs are there for your protection and must be obeyed. 

Map scale 1:15000. Contour interval: 10m 

Entries

Click HERE for online entries. (Pricing will be updated on entry server soon

Entries close Friday 18th September. 

Pricing

Please note that our pricing does not include the Snow Farm Trail Pass or Gear Hire. You will need to purchase a Trail Pass (or be a season pass holder) to enter the event. Go to: https://snowfarm.nz/cross-country-skiing/ - then click on Trail Passes - enter promo code - add to cart - then add rentals.