Wanaka hike & fly 2026
6th Edition, 27 February – 1 March 2026
The sixth edition of Wanaka Hike & Fly delivered everything this race is known for: stunning New Zealand backcountry, incredible flying, epic adventures, and the warm, tight-knit community spirit that makes this event unlike any other. In total, 34 athletes from ages 17 to 62 took part — from seasoned hike-and-fly competitors to pilots making their first cross-country flights. Supair Three days. One race. Countless stories.
Day by Day
Day one greeted pilots with post-frontal conditions. A cloudy morning that gradually opened into a gorgeous XC day with a gentle SE wind flow, rewarding those who were patient and bold in equal measure. Day two brought another fantastic cross-country day, this time with light NW winds easing pilots into the mountains for some of the weekend’s most memorable flights. Day three offered perfect conditions for morning glides before a strong afternoon wind brought everyone back to earth, just in time for a legendary prize giving and afterparty at Ground Up Brewing, the perfect way to close out another unforgettable Wanaka Hike & Fly.
The Race Format
Wanaka Hike & Fly uses a unique format, similar to orienteering, where athletes try to reach as many designated turnpoints as possible, choosing their own route. Easy-to-reach turnpoints score fewer points, while those deep in the mountains carry a higher score. In keeping with its adventure ethos, there are additional points for teaming up with another pilot and camping out in the mountains. It’s a race that rewards creativity, commitment, and courage, whether you’re flying for the win or flying for the story.
Winners
Daniel Rosinsky (France) took the overall win with 70 points, demonstrating consistent, smart flying across all three days. Razi Alon (USA) placed second with 64 points, and Stefano Gigli (Italy) rounded out the podium in third with 47 points.
In the women’s category, Chelsea McKenzie (USA) took the top spot, with Hanna Zhionberg (Sweden) finishing second.
Hanna also claimed the MT Outdoors Mad Hiker Award, recognising the pilot who covered the most ground on foot, as well as the Mitre 10 Mega Wanaka & Lake Hawea Golf Selfie Turnpoints prizes.
Paulius Kwietkauskas earned the coveted Adventure of the Year award for a feat that embodied everything the race stands for the kind of story you’ll still be telling at the campfire years from now. Josiah Ashman took home Best Content & Newcomer of the Year, a brilliant debut in both racing and storytelling.
Results:
Overall:
- Daniel Rosinsky
- Razi Alon
- Stefano Gigli
Women:
- Chelsea McKenzie
- Hanna Zhionberg
Special Awards
- MT Outdoors Mad Hiker: Hanna Zhionberg
- Adventure of the Year: Paulius Kwietkauskas
- Best Content & Newcomer of the Year: Josiah Ashman
- Mitre 10 Mega Wanaka & Lake Hawea Golf Selfie Turnpoints: Hanna Zhionberg
Thanks to Our Team
None of this happens without an incredible team behind the scenes. Huge thanks to Kinga Masztalerz, Andrea Doellel, Doug Patterson, Sani Vesanen, and Benjamin Kellett for keeping everything running smoothly, Andy Read and Gus Iglesias for efficient and accurate scoring, and to Sani Vesanen (svephoto.com) for the breathtaking pictures.
See you in 2027!