Tarawera Ultramarathon 50K is a 50km ultra marathon in Rotorua, New Zealand. Distance: 50km. Elevation: 1,100m D+. Difficulty: accessible (Challenge Rating 23/100). DNF rate: 5%. Time limit: 10h. Surface: trail. Established 2009.
Tarawera Ultramarathon 50K
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
"50km through New Zealand's volcanic heartland. Geothermal wonders, native bush, and a perfect first ultra."
A stunning and runnable 50K through geothermal landscapes and ancient forests — one of the best first ultras in the world.
The Course
A stunning run through geothermal landscapes, native bush, and along the shores of Lake Tarawera. The course passes hot springs, volcanic craters, and ancient podocarp forests. Mostly runnable with gentle rolling terrain.
rolling
point-to-point
4
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
20°C
14° – 26°
70%
25%
New Zealand summer — warm and generally pleasant. Humidity can build in the forest sections. Occasional rain showers.
Stats & Records
2009
400
06:30:00
Entry
NZD 195
June
months
Lore & Trivia
The Tarawera 50K runs through New Zealand's geothermal heartland — a shorter introduction to the volcanic landscape that the 100K version traverses more deeply. The route passes steaming vents, runs through the Redwoods of Rotorua (a planted forest of California redwoods that thrives in NZ's geothermal warmth), and crosses pumice trails unique to the Taupo Volcanic Zone. For many New Zealand runners, the Tarawera 50K is their first ultra — the terrain is soft and forgiving, the scenery is extraordinary, and the post-race hot pools in Rotorua are the best recovery in ultra running.
- ▸ The course runs through active geothermal areas — you can see steam rising from the ground mid-race.
- ▸ Tarawera is one of the most popular first ultras in the Southern Hemisphere thanks to its forgiving terrain and stunning scenery.
- ▸ The region is sacred to the local Māori Te Arawa iwi, and the race respects cultural protocols.
- ▸ Lake Tarawera was the site of the famous 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera.
- ▸ Established in 2009.
The 50K version of Tarawera — geothermal trails, redwood forest, and pumice underfoot. Perfect for a first ultra in New Zealand.
Notable Editions
The Geothermal Start
A new course section took runners directly past active geothermal vents, with steam rising from the ground beside the trail. The sulphurous smell and warm earth underfoot added an otherworldly quality to an already unusual race.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Tarawera Ultramarathon 50K? +
Tarawera Ultramarathon 50K is a 50km (50km) ultra marathon with 1,100m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on trail terrain.
How hard is Tarawera Ultramarathon 50K? +
Tarawera Ultramarathon 50K is rated accessible with a Challenge Rating of 23/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 5%. Runners have 10 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Tarawera Ultramarathon 50K? +
Average temperature is 20°C (range 14°C to 26°C) with 70% humidity and a 25% chance of rain. New Zealand summer — warm and generally pleasant. Humidity can build in the forest sections. Occasional rain showers.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Tarawera Ultramarathon 50K? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed.
What is the average finish time for Tarawera Ultramarathon 50K? +
The average finish time is 06:30:00. About 400 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 5%.
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