Danger and adventure are two of Nathan Fa'avae's favourite things, but the captain of Team Seagate is not too fussed over one of Queenstown's most popular adventure tourism activities.
The world-champion team defended its Godzone title when it crossed the finish line in Queenstown at 9.35am yesterday, 75 hours and 35 minutes after beginning the adventure race.
One of the last activities in the race was completing the Canyon Swing before biking into Queenstown. Fa'avae said for him to be thrilled, there needed to be more danger involved.
''I like doing dangerous things, but more when there is some skill involved and a bit of risk.''
On the three-day journey comprising 119km of trekking, 267km of mountain biking, 37km of whitewater canoeing and 90km of river and lake kayaking, Fa'avae most enjoyed the picturesque canoe section.
''Without a doubt, the canoeing out of the Tasman River was amazing. It was really good - the scenery, the glacier lake. I guess it's just not something you would normally do and it's not that easy to go and do it. It's just so beautiful.''
The 41-year-old's biggest challenge was the trek through the Dingle Burn in the hot, dry weather.
''You'd be feeling fine and you had energy, but you could just feel the sun just knocking you.''
After toasting his team with a glass of bubbly and being reminded of the $10,000 prize kitty, Fa'avae planned to have a warm shower, get some sleep and ''enjoy just kind of getting a bit of fat on the bones over the next few days''.
Seagate also included New Zealanders Sophie Hart, Chris Forne and Trevor Voyce, who rode to the finish line then, in ecstasy, lifted their mountain bikes above their heads and walked on through.
After fitting in less than two hours of sleep over the three days, Hart was so exhausted she had two power naps during her ride from Arrowtown yesterday morning, because she was falling asleep at the handlebars.
Hart was aware her team had enough time up its sleeve to allow for a break, but did not want to ''muck around'' too much before charging to the finish line.
Seagate's lead was not threatened, with Team Harraway finishing second nearly three hours later in 78 hours and 28 minutes.
Asked why anyone would put themselves through the pain and exhaustion, Hart paused before explaining there was actually enjoyment to be found in adventure racing.
''I guess I do find it really fun.
''The things you get to do ... and I really do enjoy spending time with my team-mates. You have some pretty amazing moments out there and get to see some pretty spectacular sights.''
Team Seagate has events lined up in China and Brazil this year, but its biggest focus is on defending its world title in Costa Rica in December.
''Costa Rica will be our real focus race. It's always good to get here and give it our best shot, but that will be the race we will really train for,'' Fa'avae said.
Team Seagate beat Godzone race directors' predictions of a five-day deadline.
''We're pretty tired now but it's been a great adventure.''
