The 2017 event was officially launched yesterday, set down for February 25 to March 4 in the Southern Lakes.
Race director Warren Bates said entries would open on July 1 and be strictly limited due to the availability of kayaks.
"We only have access to so many double kayaks and white water canoes.
"Each year we endeavour to cater for more teams as demand for places always outstrips supply.
"For 2017 we will be working hard to accommodate as many national and international teams as we can, but there is a limit and it's pretty much first in, first served.''
Bates said there was already a buzz among adventure racers worldwide to take part in the Queenstown event, which would deliver the most "exciting and dramatic location the race has ever seen''.
"The expansive mountains and lakes of the Southern Lakes region provide the most stunning backdrop for an adventure race of this nature and competitors are going to be wowed at every turn.
"The course is being designed to make the upmost of the mountainous terrain that surrounds the resort.''
Seventy teams competed in this year's event, hosted in Kaiteriteri and the greater Tasman district in April, that had sold out within two hours of entries opening.
Bates expected a similar situation when entries opened next month.
Teams successful in gaining a spot would be announced on July 8.
