A new sporting challenge for retired All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

The only player have captained his side to successive world cup titles will line up in the Cure Kids team in April's 550 kilometre Godzone Adventure race in the Tasman District.

The Cure Kids team includes New Zealand Rugby Players Association CEO Rob Nichol, Wanaka adventure racer Sarah Fairmaid and former Blues player Ben Meyer.

McCaw was under no illusions about the scale of the challenge, saying “we know we are in for one heck of a challenge that will push us all to the limits mentally and physically.”

The Godzone Adventure Race is considered to be the largest and most technically challenging race in the world.

Team members must stay within 100 metres of each other at all times, and having up to seven days to complete the course.

The race traverses mountains, valleys, rivers and cycling stages. Competitors have only a map and compass to help them navigate the course.