Welcome to Tarawera Ultramarathon, New Zealand’s most prestigious trail ultra and part of the Ultra-Trail World Tour. Runners can complete the 14km 21km, 50km, 102km distances, or the 100 Mile Ultra. The event is based in Rotorua New Zealand. There are seven lakes, forests, waterfalls and the most stunning scenery imaginable. Join us for the 18th edition; Saturday 13th - 14 February 2026.
The spectacular course runs through places of cultural significance to local Maori people. Typically; over 3000 participants with more than 800 international athletes compete. The appeal of Tarawera continues to grow and Tarawera Ultra Marathon 2026 is sure to be the biggest and best yet!
And whilst some of the world’s best elite trail ultra runners take part, the event is also a great first-time challenge, or worthy of going back and lowering your time or testing yourself on a different distance. Regardless of the motivation, we encourage you to join us in Rotorua and experience this special land and its people.
Trail Trips is all about you enjoying your trail racing experience. We take the stress out of travelling to amazing events around the world by ensuring you have accommodation, transfers and all the little things taken care of so you can focus on your race and any fun that you want have around that!
So whether that's a pick up from the finish line in the dead of night or just knowing where to find good coffee, Trail Trips are your destination race experts.
And even if you start the tour solo, we guarantee you're going home with new friends. Sharing knowledge, experiences, fun and trail time with likeminded souls! Leaving with your trail tribe strengthened is just another fringe benefit when you choose to travel with Trail Trips! We look forward to welcoming you to the Trail Tribe family!
Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB is designed to showcase what Trails Full of Heart is all about - stunning natural landscapes, connection with land and people, runnable trails and supported courses - all with the goal of getting you across the finish line.
Whether you choose the T21, T50, T102 or the TMiler, you will enjoy a point-to-point course, on mostly non-technical, runnable terrain. Our courses and generous cut-off times are deliberately designed with the aim of seeing runners of all abilities reach the finish line.
Every course is also designed to capture the stunning and diverse landscapes of the Rotorua region. You’ll run past lakes and waterfalls, and journey through the lushest green native New Zealand forests.
For those new to trail running, the T21 is a great option. It’s non-technical and has all the fun of the other distances with less of the run! In good weather, your road shoes will do the trick just fine.
If you’ve completed a road marathon or a few half marathons, then the T50 is very achievable. Most runners find our soft underfoot trails kinder on their bodies than road running. With well supported aid stations, there’s no support crew required.
For seasoned marathon runners or endurance athletes, with the right training and preparation, you’ll love the experience of running our T102 course. 102km of stunning trails and an endurance experience of a lifetime, running point-to-point from Kawerau to Rotorua.
For anyone ready to put their mind and body to the ultimate test, our TMiler is one of the most scenic and achievable 100 mile runs in the world. Starting at the geothermal wonderland of Te Puia, runners complete a loop around the iconic lakes of Rotorua, as well as beneath the mighty maunga Tarawera, Ruawahia and Wahanga.
All courses are built with achievability in mind, and our trails are full of heart - welcoming you and encouraging you on your Tarawera journey.
Rotorua is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing the fascinating Māori culture.
From crystal-clear streams and magical forests, to epic trails and explosive geysers, Rotorua has it all. The city offers a raft of attractions and experiences for everyone from adventure-seekers to those just looking to unwind.
Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs perfect for bathing and relaxing in. After marvelling at the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity within a geothermal park, enjoy a simple soak in a natural hot stream or indulge in a wellness getaway at a luxurious spa.
.png?fit=crop&crop=entropy&w=600&auto=format)
From a Single Bed with shared facilities to the Deluxe Family Suite with kitchenette and ensuite facilities, we have options that suit all travellers looking for that perfect stay in Rotorua! Most rooms feature balconies and ensuite bathrooms and all rooms feature the latest in-room entertainment IPTV Solution that allows you to cast whatever content from your mobile phone to the TV securely. This easy connection between device and TV, means you can cast content from your own account securely and no personal data is left behind on check-out. Superfast Wi-Fi is another highlight at Urban Lounge Sleepery as we have implemented individual fibre Wi-Fi access points in each room allowing you to download and upload to your heart’s content at some seriously high internet speeds.
Cook up a storm and make new friends at the “Mess Hall”, our communal kitchen on the first floor and for the digital nomads, connect at “Co-Lab” our co-working space and “Hush Solo” our quiet booth, both situated on the Ground Floor. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy and so take a break at “Bean Around” and sip on Latte or a cup of tea and a snack before chilling out at Kat’s Poolside Oasis for some well-deserved pool time.
The T21 is an achievable, point-to-point 21km trail run that has all the fun of the other distances with less of the run! This is a great option for first-time trail runners and families to get the full trail running experience, without going the long distance.
Your day will start next to the beautiful shores of Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake). You’ll run or walk your way around the 5.5km Blue Lake track and then continue back towards Rotorua.
The highlights include the atmosphere and views at the Lake Tikitapu Reserve startline, the towering redwoods, steam alongside the trail at Sulphur Point and finishing at the Village Green in downtown Rotorua.
The course is a combination of trails and forestry roads with native New Zealand bush, conifer forest, parkland and thermal landscapes.
The T50 trail run is an achievable course for runners of all abilities. If you’ve completed a road marathon or a few half marathons, then this is the perfect step up. With runnable trails, fully catered aid stations and stunning scenery all around, once you experience trail running, you’ll never want to go back!
The T50 trail run is an achievable course for athletes of all abilities. If you’ve completed a road marathon or a few half marathons, then this is the perfect step up. Once you experience trail running, you’ll never want to go back to the road!
Starting in the heart of Rotorua, the T50 course takes you on a tour of Rotorua’s geothermal areas, lakes and forests.
The highlights include running alongside three stunning lakes - Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake), Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Rotorua, the towering redwoods, plenty of native forest single track, steam alongside the trail at Sulphur Point and finishing at the Village Green in downtown Rotorua.
The course features a combination of trails and forestry roads with native bush, conifer forest, farmland, parkland and thermal landscapes.
An iconic point-to-point race built for both first-timers and ultra-enthusiasts alike. Beautiful scenery, awesome on course support and runnable trails make this a bucket list event for any endurance athlete or ultra-runner.
The T102 is one of the most scenic ultra marathon runs in the world. If you’re a seasoned marathon runner or endurance athlete, with the right training and preparation, you’ll love the experience of running our 102km course.
For 2025, we will return to a point-to-point course starting in Kawerau and finishing in Rotorua, taking in 5 stunning lakes, and running beneath the mighty maunga of Tarawera, Ruawahia and Wahanga.
While the Northern Tarawera and Eastern Okataina trails remain closed, our T102 will reroute around these trails, connecting the Outlet and Okataina aid stations.
You’ll run 102km through forests, past lakes and down trails, soaking up the most spectacular landscapes the region has to offer.
The highlights include running along five different lakes, native bush on the Western Okataina track, the towering redwoods, steam alongside the trail at Sulphur Point and finishing at the Village Green in downtown Rotorua.
The course features a combination of trails and forestry roads with native New Zealand bush, conifer forest, farmland, parkland and thermal landscapes.
A true test of mind and body, the Tarawera Miler takes runners on a journey like no other. Past 8 stunning lakes, through endless forests and native bush, and around the mighty Mt Tarawera, this is a journey not only over land, but within. Supported with endless aid stations, pacers and the Tarawera community, and finishing with the sacred pounamu toki finisher gift, it's a Miler quite like no other.
The TMiler is one of the most scenic 100 mile runs in the world.
For 2025, we will return to a loop course starting and finishing in Rotorua, taking in 8 stunning lakes, and running beneath the mighty maunga of Tarawera, Ruawahia and Wahanga.
While the Northern Tarawera and Eastern Okataina trails remain closed, our TMiler will reroute around these trails, connecting the Outlet and Okataina aid stations.
The highlights include running along eight different lakes, the solitude of the Tarawera Forest, a boat ride across Lake Rotomahana, the waterfall on the Tarawera Falls track, running through the archaeological site of Buried Village, the towering redwoods, steam alongside the trail at Sulphur Point and finishing at the Village Green in downtown Rotorua.
The terrain consists of mostly single track trails, wide trails, forestry and sealed roads.
Rotorua, New Zealand 
.png?fit=crop&crop=entropy&h=45&w=45&auto=format)
