Over the past two decades, Wānaka has grown from a small alpine town into a vibrant hub for adventure, creativity, and community. Cafés, trails, and faces have changed — but one thing remains exactly the same: the stunning backdrop that makes this place, and Challenge Wānaka, so special. Framed by the Southern Alps and just a stone’s throw from Mt Aspiring National Park, we’re constantly reminded of how lucky we are to race, live, and play in one of the most breathtaking corners of Aotearoa.
For our 20-year milestone, we wanted more than just a logo or a t-shirt — we wanted a piece of art that tells that story. And here it is: the commemorative edition by Lisa Nicole Moes, the talented illustrator behind Love Thy Land.
A Massey University Design graduate, Lisa moved to Wānaka in 2014 and quickly made it her creative home. Her work celebrates New Zealand’s most beloved and remote places, evoking memory, emotion, and nostalgia — often inspired by her own backcountry adventures. With the romance of vintage travel posters, her art combines timeless charm with storytelling in every detail.
Lisa is also a familiar face on Wānaka’s trails, regularly running with the Kinisi Run Crew alongside her furry pal, Brewster. Her love for movement, adventure, and the outdoors flows through every piece of her art — and this project is no exception.
For this edition, Lisa has captured the essence of racing in Wānaka — the crystal-clear lake, the mountains standing proud, and that mix of freedom, challenge, and beauty that defines every athlete’s experience here. It’s more than a scene — it’s a feeling. Awe. Grit. The spirit of adventure that stays with you long after race day.
The result? A limited-edition print and t-shirt that celebrates both 20 years of Challenge Wānaka and Lisa’s distinctive style. A keepsake, a piece of our history, and a tribute to the landscapes that have inspired us — and kept us grounded — since the very beginning.
