Trail running course near Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, NZ
Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB

Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB 100 Miles

100 miles·Rotorua, New Zealand
ultra100 mileforesttrailqualifierpoint to pointbeginner friendly

AI-generated image

Distance100 miles
Date13 Feb 2027
Difficulty5/5

About This Race

The Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB 100 Miles stands as New Zealand's premier ultra-endurance event, challenging runners to navigate 160 kilometers through the geothermal landscapes surrounding Rotorua. Part of the UTMB World Series, this race draws an international field to the Bay of Plenty each February, where the Southern Hemisphere summer provides long daylight hours and generally favorable running conditions. The course weaves through native bush, alongside volcanic lakes, and across terrain shaped by centuries of geothermal activity. Runners tackle multiple loops that reveal the dynamic character of this landscape as light and fatigue alter perception. The route's non-technical nature allows for sustained forward movement, though this accessibility becomes its own challenge over such distance—there are few forced breaks, making pacing discipline essential. Most finishers cross the line between 18 and 30 hours after starting, spending at least one night navigating familiar trails that feel entirely different under headlamp. The race operates within strict UTMB standards for course marking, aid station protocols, and safety requirements. Rotorua's compact geography means crew access is relatively manageable compared to point-to-point mountain ultras, though the mental game of returning to known landmarks lap after lap tests even experienced runners.

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.

Location

Practical Info

Weather

February brings warm, humid conditions with daytime temperatures typically 20-28°C (68-82°F) and mild nights around 15°C (59°F). Afternoon thunderstorms are possible but not guaranteed.

Nearest Airport

ROT - Rotorua Airport

Accommodation

Rotorua offers extensive accommodation options from budget hostels to resort hotels, with most properties within 15 minutes of race venues. Booking early is advisable as the race attracts international visitors and coincides with New Zealand's summer tourism season.

Best For

trail runnersultra beginnersinternational travelersnature enthusiasts

Other Distances at This Event

14K

161m gain

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.