About This Event
New Zealand's premier trail running event unfolds through the stunning landscapes surrounding Rotorua, the country's birthplace of tourism. The race showcases the spectacular taiao (natural landscapes) of Papatūānuku, taking runners through lush native bush, towering redwoods, past eight glistening lakes and down crystal clear streams. Built on the Māori concept of manaaki—a reciprocal sharing of warmth—Tarawera emphasizes community and achievability over impossibility. The event welcomes runners of all abilities into its whānau (family), with courses designed for success rather than suffering. All distances follow point-to-point routes on mostly non-technical, runnable terrain, supported by world-renowned aid stations and incredible volunteers. As part of the UTMB World Series, Tarawera offers runners the chance to experience sacred lands while understanding the kōrero (stories) of the tangata whenua (people of the land). The event embodies tutuki (achievement) at its heart, ensuring every participant feels supported along their journey through this special corner of New Zealand.
Choose Your Distance
14K
Starting Sunday morning from Te Puia, this 14-kilometer route offers the most accessible way to experience Tarawera's trails. With only 161 meters of elevation gain, it's perfect for families, trail running newcomers, or those wanting a shorter adventure in the stunning Rotorua landscape.
21K
The route begins in Rotorua and follows a network of purpose-built trails and forest service roads through the Whakarewarewa Forest and surrounding conservation lands. Runners encounter both technical singletrack requiring attention to footing and smoother forest roads where pace can be pushed. The native bush sections feature root systems and occasional volcanic rock, while the redwood groves offer softer, needle-covered surfaces. The course concludes with approaches to Lake Tarawera, where the terrain opens and views expand across the water.
50K
The course transitions through three distinct environments that define Rotorua's trail character. Runners begin in native bush, where the trail weaves through ferns and nikau palms characteristic of New Zealand's North Island forests. The route then enters the Whakarewarewa redwood forest, where towering Californian sequoias planted in the 1900s create an unexpected contrast with the surrounding native landscape. The final sections trace the shores of Lake Tarawera, with volcanic peaks visible across the water and the trail occasionally passing geothermal features that remind runners of the region's active geology.
102K
The route departs Kawerau and moves through native podocarp forest before reaching the Tarawera Trail network. Runners follow the edge of Lake Tarawera, pass through sections of regenerating bush, and traverse paths carved by the 1886 Tarawera eruption. The final sections wind through Rotorua's Whakarewarewa Forest before descending to the lakefront finish. The terrain favors those comfortable with extended time on feet rather than technical mountain skills, though wet conditions can make tree roots and volcanic rock sections demand attention.
100 miles
The course consists of multiple loops through Rotorua's Redwoods and the trails surrounding Lake Tarawera, with runners passing through the same aid stations at different stages of exhaustion. The terrain mixes groomed forest trails with narrower bush tracks, offering consistent footing without significant technical obstacles. Views across volcanic lakes and through cathedral-like stands of California redwoods provide visual relief during the long hours of movement.