Rotorua Off Road Half Marathon
Rotorua
Sunday 07th March 2027
INfo
The Whakarewarewa Forest comes alive in Rotorua!
Picture yourself running through a breathtaking forest, where every turn reveals towering native trees, sunlight filtering through the canopy, and the fresh scent of earth and foliage.
This off-road half marathon, 10.5km and 5.5km event takes you along winding trails, across gentle streams, and over undulating terrain that challenges your legs and rewards your senses. The track offers a mix of soft forest floor, packed dirt paths, and the occasional climb, keeping every kilometre exciting and varied.
It’s more than just a run—it’s an immersive nature experience, where the sound of birdsong and the rustle of leaves accompany you all the way to the finish line.
And it’s not just for the grown-ups—there’s a special event for the kids too! Designed to be fun, safe, and packed with adventure, the children’s course lets young runners experience the thrill of the trails, build confidence, and cross their own finish line with a big smile.
Every competitor, big or small, receives a finishers medal to celebrate their achievement.
21.1 km map
Two laps of pure Rotorua magic! Start at Waipa and weave through pine-needle trails, past bubbling mud pools, shaded forest roads, and the lush Lion Trail. Climb to Red Tank Road, fuel up at aid stations, then fly down smooth downhill stretches before finishing back at Waipa. Scenic, challenging, and unforgettable – one of NZ’s most unique half marathons.
10.5 km map
Not ready for the full half marathon? Take on one lap of the stunning Waipa course. You’ll run past historic mud pools, climb steady forest roads, flow through the lush fern-lined Lion Trail, and reach the high point at Red Tank Road before cruising down pine-needle trails to the finish. A perfect mix of challenge and scenery in Rotorua’s iconic Whakarewarewa Forest.
5.5 km map
Big beauty in a short distance! Starting at Waipa, this 5km loop takes you past historic mud pools, up forest roads, and along the fern-lined Lion Trail with sweeping views. Hit the high point at Red Tank Road, cruise down shaded trails, and cross the finish back at Waipa for your medal. The perfect taste of the great outdoors in Rotorua’s world-famous Redwoods!
3 km map
A forest adventure made for young runners! Start at Waipa, cross the bridge, and follow pine-needle trails past bubbling mud pools before looping into the magical Redwoods. Dash across a rustic bridge, run under towering trees, and cruise back to the finish for your very own medal.
2 km map
Perfect for little legs and kids who love to move! Start at Waipa, cross the bridge, and follow soft pine-needle trails past Rotorua’s bubbling mud pools before looping back along a forest road. Cross the bridge once more for a sprint to the finish and grab your shiny medal!
The Countdown Begins!
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Details
Event Information
Entry Fees and Entries Opening/Closing Dates
Enter online HERE
Standard Fee from 1st August 2026 – 11:59pm 31st January 2027
* Half Marathon adult: $80.00 per person
* Half Marathon school student: $70.00 per person
* 10.5km adult: $50.00 per person
* 10.5km school student: $40.00 per person
* 5.5km adult: $40.00 per person
* 5.5km school student: $25.00 per person
* 2km/3km Little Devils: $12.50 per person
Late Fee from midnight 1st February 2027 – 9:00am 04th March 2027
* Half Marathon adult: $90.00 per person
* Half Marathon school student: $80.00 per person
* 10.5km adult: $60.00 per person
* 10.5km school student: $50.00 per person
* 5.5km adult: $45.00 per person
* 5.5km school student: $35.00 per person
* 2km/3km Little Devils: $17.50 per person
On The Day Fee – available at registration 07th March 2027
* Half Marathon adult: $100.00 per person
* Half Marathon school student: $90.00 per person
* 10.5km adult: $70.00 per person
* 10.5km school student: $60.00 per person
* 5.5km adult: $55.00 per person
* 5.5km school student: $45.00 per person
* 2km/3km Little Devils: $20.00 per person
Special Entry Fees Available
- Groups of 10+ people – we have a special 20% discount available. All group entries MUST be received at least two weeks prior to the event day to qualify for the discount. Please email info@eventpromotions.co.nz for more information on how to enter with 10+ people.
- School Students – there is a special discounted rate available for School Students (Primary, Intermediate and Secondary Years 1-13) across all entry types. Student ID’s must be provided at check-in/registration if requested. The student discount does not apply to 10+ people or more Team entry option due to existing discounts.
How to Enter
Enter online HERE
ENTRY CONFIRMATION
You will receive confirmation of your entry via email after you have completed the online entry process.
PERSONALISED RACE NUMBER
If you would like your name printed on your race bib, please make sure you are entered by 1st February 2027.
Event Timetable
Sunday 07th March 2027
7:30am – 10:30am: Registration & late entries in the main marquee at Waipa Recreation Area (collection of race bib/timing chip)
9.00am: Start Lance Lawson Little Devils 2km event (3-6 yrs)
9.10am: Start Lance Lawson Little Devils 3km event ( 7-10yrs)
10.00am: Start Novotel 21.1km half marathon event
10.15am: Prize-giving Little Devils
11.00am: Start Mitre Mega 10.5km event
11.15am: Start Red Stag Timber 5.5km event
12.10pm: Cut off for start of 2nd lap Novotel Half Marathon
1.30pm: Prize-giving 21.1km, 10.5km & 5.5km
Refunds and Transfers
WITHDRAWL AND REFUND POLICY
ALL withdrawals MUST be notified to info@eventpromotions.co.nz by 9:00am, 7 days prior to the event date. Any withdrawals received before this deadline will receive a refund of their entry fee, less a $15.00 administration/booking fee for the 5km, 10km, and Half Marathon distances. Little Devils entries will receive a refund less a $5.00 administration/booking fee.
Any withdrawals notified after this time will not be entitled to a refund.
In the case of a natural disaster, extreme or dangerous weather situation, “Act of God” conditions, or other uncontrollable factors causing the cancellation of the event, entry fees will not be refunded.
Transfer Policy
All person to person transfers can be made between individuals up to 9:00am 14 days prior to the event date. After this date, they must be done at event registration. These transfers MUST be made between the same entry type (event distance).
All transfers to a different entry type (event distance) can be made up to 9:00am 14 days prior to the event date. After this date, they must be done at event registration.
You cannot transfer an entry to another event, or following year under any circumstances.
If you need to make a transfer, please contact info@eventpromotions.co.nz.
- Runner to Walker Transfer (or Vice Versa): You MUST let us know prior to starting the event if you are swapping from runner to walker or walker to runner. Please note that if you plan to run/walk you need to enter as a runner. This can be changed up until event registration
- Event Distance Transfer: If you want to swap to a different race distance, this can be done up until 14 days prior to the event. If you decide to swap on the day, you will need to go to the registration venue of the event you would like to swap to.
Course Descriptions and Aid Stations
Novotel Rotorua 21.1km Half Marathon (2x laps of a 10.5km course)
Start at Waipa recreation area and run across the bridge on Pohaturoa Road. Turn left into the Mud Pool Link Road where you run on a pine needle covered trail passing the historic mud pools on your left-hand side. Continue and veer right until you return to Pohaturoa Road where you turn left and run 900m along this forest road until you reach Nursery Road. Turn left and run/walk up a steady climb on the smooth forest road for 450m before turning right into Katore Road. Continuing to climb for another 900m, past the settling ponds before doing a sharp left turn into the Lion Trail, a smooth winding trail with stunning vistas and NZ ferns on both sides. Continue for 1.1km enjoying the views until you reach the end at Spruce Road. Turn right, continue for 100m then turn left into a small forest road, The Wash Road. Run along this road to the end where you continue on The Wash Track until you reach Red Tank Road, the highest point on the course. An aid station is located here with water and R-line electrolyte drink. Turn right into Red Tank Road, and run down this smooth, pine covered road for 1.9km before reaching Nursery Road where you veer right. Continue along this smooth forest road for 1.0km before turning left into the spectacular Pohaturoa Walking track (Yellow track). Continue along this trail for 500m to Bakers Hollow. Run along this small forest road for 250m before turning left into the next section of the spectacular Redwoods Forest section on the Pohaturoa Walking Track (Yellow track). Continue along this trail, across a small bridge before returning to Pohaturoa Road where you turn left, and continue along this beautiful forest road, across the bridge and back to the reserve. An aid station is located here with water and R-line electrolyte drink. Enjoy the event vibes before turning right back over the bridge to start your second lap. On completion of your second lap, continue to the finish line to receive your well-deserved finishers medal.
Mitre 10 Mega 10.5km (see description above for 1x lap)
Experience the magic of the Redwoods on this scenic 10.5km course as outlined above for the 21.1km event. On completion of your 10.5km loop, continue to the finish line to receive your well-deserved finishers medal.
Red Stag Timber 5.5km
Start at Waipa recreation area and run across the bridge on Pohaturoa Road. Turn left into the Mud Pool Link Road where you run on a pine needle covered trail passing the historic mud pools on your left-hand side. Continue and veer right until you return to Pohaturoa Road where you turn left and run 900m along this forest road until you reach Nursery Road. Turn left and run/walk up a steady climb on the smooth forest road for 450m before turning right into Katore Road, continuing to climb for another 500m before doing a sharp right turn into the Pig Track, a pine covered, beautiful walking track with native ferns on both sides of the trail. Enjoy the scenery for around 500m before entering Ovata Road, a smooth small forest road. Continue for another 500m until you reach Nursery Road where you turn right. Run for 100m and turn left into the spectacular Pohaturoa Walking Track (Yellow track). Continue along this trail for 500m to Bakers Hollow. Run along this small smooth forest road for 250m before turning left into the next section of the spectacular Redwoods Forest section on the Pohaturoa Walking Track (Yellow track). Continue along this trail, across a small rustic bridge before returning to Pohaturoa Road where you turn left, and continue along this beautiful forest road, across the bridge and back to the finish line to receive your well-deserved finishers medal.
Lance Lawson Little Devils 3km kids fun run
Start at Waipa recreation area and run across the bridge on Pohaturoa Road. Turn left into the Mud Pool Link Road where you run on a pine needle covered trail passing the historic mud pools on your left-hand side. Continue and veer right until you return to Pohaturoa Road where you turn left and run 500m before turning right in Bakers Hollow. Resume along this trail for 400m before taking a sharp right-hand corner into the spectacular Redwoods Forest on the Pohaturoa Walking Track (Yellow track). Continue along this trail, across a small rustic bridge before returning to Pohaturoa Road where you turn left, and continue along this beautiful forest road, across the bridge and back to the finish line to receive your well-deserved finishers medal.
Lance Lawson Little Devils 2km kids fun run
Start at Waipa recreation area and run across the bridge on Pohaturoa Road. Turn left into the Mud Pool Link Road where you run on a pine needle covered trail passing the historic mud pools on your left-hand side. Continue and veer right until you return to Pohaturoa Road where you turn right and continue along this beautiful forest road, across the bridge and back to the finish line to receive your well-deserved finishers medal.
AID STATIONS
There are 2 aid stations on the 10.5km loop. Due to the nature of the course being offroad, it is advised to carry your own fluids if you are going to be on the course for some time.
21.1km – 4 aid stations (water & R-Line electrolyte)
10.5km – 2 aid stations (water & R-Line electrolyte)
5.5km, 3km & 2km – these events only have an aid station at the finish line.
Finish Line – water & R-Line electrolyte
ELEVATION
Elevation map of the 10.5km loop
10.5km Team Challenge
Prove that your run crew are the fastest in the Forest by taking on the Rotorua Off Road 10.5km Teams Challenge.
This is a chance for your company, gym, sports club or running mates to do some great team bonding, train together and take on the 10.5km Rotorua Off Road event.
How does it work?
Teams must consist of a minimum of 3 people participating in the 10.5km distance; there is no maximum number of competitors per team. You must supply a Team Name when registering to be eligible for the challenge. The winning Team will be announced at prize giving and awarded with their trophy. Your combined individual placing’s for your first three team members calculate your overall team place, plus all your team members are eligible for individual grade positions e.g. if your team positions are 14th Male, 22nd Male and 4th Female, your team total is 14+22+4=40 points
What is the cost to enter a team?
Standard fees per person apply for all competitors, see entry fee charges.
How to register a Team?
Option 1: Enter online HERE
Option 2: E-mail info@eventpromotions.co.nz for an invoice for the total amount of your entrants. Once payment is received you will be issued a Pin Code which allows you to enter online.
Grade and Prize Information
MERIT PRIZES AND SPOT PRIZES
Prize-giving will be held at 10:15am for the Little Devils kids events, and 1:30pm for the remaining events – this will take place from the stage truck at the Waipa Recreation Area.
Minimum Age
Competitors must be 16 years or older to compete in the 21km event. Competitors must be 12 years or older to compete in the 10.5km event. Competitors must be 5 years or older to compete in the 5.5km event.
Finishers Medals
Every competitor that finishes any of the events, from the Little Devils kids to the Half Marathon, will receive a stunning finishers medal.
Merit Prizes
Merit prizes/medals are awarded to the first three males and females across the line in the half marathon run and walk, the 10.5km run and walk and the 5.5km event.
Spot Prizes
Every entrant goes in the draw to win the major and minor spot prizes, but you must be present at prize-giving to claim them.
Results
No event 2023 (2022 event was postponed until September)
Important Information
Walking Division
Walkers will start 5 minutes after the runners for the Half Marathon and 10.5km event – this is to avoid congestion on the course. We value our walkers and wish to ensure that the experience is a positive one for all entered. To ensure this we rely on entrants’ integrity that walkers WALK the complete event. Please participate in the spirit of the event and abide by walking criteria. Any walking competitor seen running will be automatically classified in the running results and no correspondence will be entered into. If competitors are unsure whether they may run & walk different sections of the course, it is requested that you enter the “Run” division.
Prams/Buggies/Strollers
Prams/Buggies/Strollers are not permitted at this event due to causing congestion on the course.
Headphones
For your safety, we strongly recommend you avoid wearing headphones or audio devices during the event. They can make it difficult to hear important instructions from marshals, be aware of other forest users/hazards, or respond to other competitors around you. Staying alert and aware helps keep both you and others safe on the course.
Timing and Photos
All competitors will receive a timing transponder at registration to accurately time the event. This is attached your race number, which must be pinned to the front of your shirt. Marathon Photos will be snapping away and photos will be available for purchase post event, these can be viewed at www.marathon-photos.com
Accommodation
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel
A hotel that makes every moment matter.
Check in to 4.5-star comfort with the lake at your doorstep at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel. Rejuvenate in the spa’s natural geothermal mineral pools and experience a delicious dinner in our Atlas Restaurant. Then retire to your room – a calm haven with earthy colours, wood furniture and picture windows – and soak in the spectacular scenery at Novotel.
Conveniently located just 15-minutes from Rotorua Airport in the heart of Rotorua township, Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is the perfect base for adventure enthusiasts and families alike to see all that New Zealand’s geothermal capital has to offer. Take a short stroll to the lakefront to ride the thrilling Kawarau Jet on Lake Rotorua. Hop on nearby public transport to visit the cultural and geothermal wonders at Te Puia. Or enjoy the adrenaline-pumping action of the luge at Rotorua Skyline.
Just steps from Eat Streat bars and restaurants also only a short walk from the awe-inspiring lakefront, the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel is in the heart of the cultural and geothermal marvel that is Rotorua.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our vibrant hotel. We’re confident you’ll enjoy your stay, whether you’re travelling for business or leisure.
Edward Judd, Hotel Management
Peace & serenity in the forest
Enjoy the great outdoors while keeping fit!
Leave the devices behind and spend time in nature! Soak up the natural beauty of the Wakarewarewa Forest as you breathe in the fresh air. An experience not to be missed!