Tarawera Ultramarathon

Tarawera Ultramarathon Countdown

310

Days

01

Hrs

56

Min

00

Sec

Next Race

February 13, 2027

311

days to go

The Tarawera Ultramarathon is a UTMB World Series event that winds through the geothermal heart of New Zealand's North Island. Starting at the shores of Lake Tarawera, runners traverse ancient podocarp forests, pass steaming volcanic vents, and skirt the edges of crater lakes formed by the devastating 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption. The race's mix of smooth single-track, technical volcanic terrain, and dramatic thermal landscapes makes it one of the most unique ultras in the world.

UTMB World Series EventITRA 4 Endurance Points

Est.

2009

Distance

100km / 62mi

Course

Point-to-point

Surface

Mixed Trail

Elev. Gain

2600m

Elev. Loss

2800m

Field Size

~1,200

When

February

Time Limit

20h

THE COURSE

Gain

+2600m

Loss

-2800m

MI 0

KM 0

Lake Tarawera Start

The race begins on the shores of Lake Tarawera at dawn, with the volcanic cone of Mount Tarawera rising dramatically across the water. Runners head into dense native bush on the Tarawera Trail.

ELEV: 300ft

MI 12

KM 20

Tarawera Falls

The spectacular Tarawera Falls, where the Tarawera River disappears underground and re-emerges through a cliff face. The trail passes through ancient podocarp forest with towering rimu and kahikatea trees.

ELEV: 350ft

MI 25

KM 40

Okataina Lakeside

Runners skirt the pristine shores of Lake Okataina, one of the most beautiful and least accessible of the Rotorua lakes. The single-track trail weaves between the lake edge and dense native bush.

ELEV: 320ft

MI 37

KM 60

Blue & Green Lakes

The trail climbs through the geothermal zone past the famous Blue Lake (Tikitapu) and Green Lake (Rotokakahi). Steam rises from the volcanic earth and the contrasting lake colors create an otherworldly atmosphere.

ELEV: 400ft

MI 60

KM 97

Redwoods & Rotorua Finish

The final section passes through the iconic Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest — towering California redwoods planted in 1901 — before emerging into Rotorua's Government Gardens for the lakeside finish.

ELEV: 280ft