Trail running course through mixed terrain in Bay of Plenty, NZ

Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB 14K

14K·161m gain·Rotorua, New Zealand

foresttrailqualifierpoint to pointbeginner friendly

AI-generated image

Distance14K

Gain161m

Date13 Feb 2027

Difficulty1/5

About This Race

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.

Location

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Practical Info

Nearest Airport

ROT - Rotorua Airport

Accommodation

Event hub located at Village Green on Lakefront Drive in central Rotorua, New Zealand's established tourism center with extensive lodging options.

Best For

trail runnersultra beginnersinternational travelersnature enthusiasts

Notable Features

Part of the UTMB World Series, Tarawera stands out for its cultural integration with Māori values and traditions, offering runners a deeper connection to the land through indigenous storytelling. The event's commitment to inclusivity and achievability, combined with spectacular lakeside and forest scenery through eight different lakes and native New Zealand bush, creates a uniquely welcoming ultra-trail experience.

Other Distances at This Event

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.