Defending champion Hamish Elliott has made a strong start to the Coast To Coast multisport event traversing the South Island

The 29-year was first over Goat Pass, four and a half minutes ahead of four-time champ Sam Clark, with Tasmania's Alex Hunt close behind.

The lead women are all within a minute of each other though Doreen Creek.

Moira Macdonald is the surprise leader, with Elina Ussher second, closely followed by Aden Lynch and perennial winner Simone Maier .