Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km key messages
What it’s like to take part in the race?
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A spectacular point-to-point course from geyser to volcano.
Launch into the only race of its kind to start in an active geyser field.
Start at the world-famous Pohutu Geyser shooting 30 metres into the air, and finish
at the soothing waters of Hot Water Beach on Lake Tarawera.
Igniting fire in your belly as well as making your skin tingle, Te Puia kapa haka
performers bid farewell and good luck at the start line with a traditional Māori cultural
performance under Pohutu Geyser.
Witness stunning views of five lakes – Lake Rotorua, Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake),
Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) Lake Tarawera, and Lake Rotomahana.
Blaze the trail of an archaeological site at Rotorua’s Buried Village, venture under a
waterfall, run along the Tarawera Trail, past the twin creeks and all the way to Hot
Water Beach.
Run through native and exotic forest on custom-made tracks connecting the new
Hemo Gorge Track, the Puarenga Stream Track and the Tarawera Trail in a single
event.
Run in the footsteps of the Tuhourangi people as you retrace one of New Zealand’s
most important historical routes.
Race through an active sheep farm and past a working wool shed accessign
exclusive views from private land.
Enjoy an iconic refreshment stall at the Buried Village with Devonshire Tea complete
with hot scones.
Once you reach the finish line, dive into the crisp lake water to cool off or soak your
aching muscles in the soothing hot mineral waters of Hot Water Beach.
From boat to bus you’ll make your way through beautiful scenery back to the start
line afterwards.
Event context
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Highly ranked national and international athletes come from across the world to take
part in this world-class event.
The Tarawera Trail marathon and 50km is the first event to be organised on the new
Department of Conservation Tarawera Trail.
The Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km event sits alongside the Tarawera Trail
Ultramarathon, which recently became part of the Ultra-Trail World Tour (UTWT) – a
series of the 11 most prestigious ultra-running races in the world.