Tarawera Ultramarathon 100 Mile is a 100 miles / 161km ultra marathon in Rotorua, New Zealand. Distance: 161km. Elevation: 4,200m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 46/100). DNF rate: 20%. Time limit: 36h. Surface: trail. Established 2009.
Tarawera Ultramarathon 100 Mile
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
"100 miles through New Zealand's geothermal wonderland."
New Zealand's premier 100-miler through volcanic geothermal terrain.
The Course
A 102km ultra through New Zealand's geothermal heartland — from the Redwoods of Rotorua to the shores of Lake Tarawera. The route passes steaming volcanic vents, traverses native bush single-track, climbs through the Rainbow Mountain thermal area, and finishes at a lake formed by the catastrophic 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera. The terrain is soft pumice trails, rooty forest, boardwalks over geothermal zones, and fire-road climbs with views of the Bay of Plenty.
hilly
point-to-point
12
Runner Experience
Solid aid station network with 12 stops along the course. Standard ultra fare — food, electrolytes, first aid.
Post-race gathering with awards, food, and shared stories. The ultra community spirit is strong at Tarawera Ultramarathon 100 Mile.
Race Day Weather
20°C
13° – 26°
70%
25%
New Zealand summer — warm and humid.
Stats & Records
2009
120
28:00:00
Entry
NZD 500
June
weeks
Lore & Trivia
Tarawera 100 runs through one of New Zealand's most geologically active landscapes — the Taupo Volcanic Zone, where geothermal vents steam, mud pools bubble, and the earth's crust is thin enough to feel warm underfoot. The 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera destroyed the famous Pink and White Terraces (once called the eighth wonder of the world) and reshaped the landscape the race now crosses. New Zealand's trail running scene is among the most active per capita in the world, and Tarawera is its flagship 100km.
- ▸ The course passes active geothermal areas with steaming vents and hot springs.
- ▸ Tarawera Falls drops 65 feet into a volcanic cave system visible from the trail.
- ▸ New Zealand's native bush and bird life make this one of the most scenic 100-milers globally.
You run past geothermal vents, through a landscape shaped by volcanic eruption, on pumice trails that cushion every step. Tarawera is otherworldly.
Notable Editions
The Course Record Falls
A new course record demonstrated that Tarawera's soft pumice trails, while exotic, are genuinely fast. New Zealand's trail running scene — among the most competitive per capita in the world — continues to push the standard at its flagship event.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Tarawera Ultramarathon 100 Mile? +
Tarawera Ultramarathon 100 Mile is a 100 miles / 161km (161km) ultra marathon with 4,200m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on trail terrain.
How hard is Tarawera Ultramarathon 100 Mile? +
Tarawera Ultramarathon 100 Mile is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 46/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 20%. Runners have 36 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Tarawera Ultramarathon 100 Mile? +
Average temperature is 20°C (range 13°C to 26°C) with 70% humidity and a 25% chance of rain. New Zealand summer — warm and humid.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Tarawera Ultramarathon 100 Mile? +
Crew access is allowed. Pacers are allowed after 100km. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the average finish time for Tarawera Ultramarathon 100 Mile? +
The average finish time is 28:00:00. About 120 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 20%.
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