Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB is on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February 2027 in Rotorua. Runners choose from five point-to-point distances on mostly runnable trails past eight lakes, through native bush and towering redwoods: the 163 km TMiler, T102, T50 and T21 on Saturday, and the 14 km T14 on Sunday morning. Athlete check-in opens on Thursday 11 February at the Village Green on Rotorua's lakefront.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February 2027
- Distances
- TMiler 163 km (3,800 m climb), T102 102 km (2,300 m), T50 52 km (1,150 m), T21 23 km (400 m), T14 14 km (161 m)
- Race days
- TMiler, T102, T50 and T21 on Saturday 13 February; T14 on Sunday 14 February at 7.30 am
- Check-in
- From Thursday 11 February, Village Green, Lakefront Drive, Rotorua
- Start buses
- Optional buses from the Village Green and central Rotorua to each start
- Spectators
- Spectator buses run to the Puarenga and Okataina points
What it is
Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB calls itself New Zealand’s premier trail running event. It is part of the UTMB World Series and is held in Rotorua, which organisers describe as New Zealand’s birthplace of tourism. The 2027 races are on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February.
The courses
All courses are point-to-point on mostly non-technical, runnable terrain, through native bush and towering redwoods, past eight lakes and waterfalls and along clear streams. There are five distances:
- TMiler: 163 km with 3,800 m of climbing, Saturday 13 February
- T102: 102 km with 2,300 m of climbing, Saturday
- T50: 52 km with 1,150 m of climbing, Saturday
- T21: 23 km with 400 m of climbing, Saturday (check-in at Firmin Field, Kawerau)
- T14: 14 km with 161 m of climbing, Sunday 14 February at 7.30 am
Organisers frame the event around manaaki, a reciprocal sharing of warmth between runners, crews, volunteers and the local community, and encourage runners to learn the stories of the tangata whenua whose land the trails cross.
Who it suits
Trail runners of every level. The T14 and T21 are achievable first trail races for fit runners, while the T102 and TMiler are serious ultras. Supporters get a festival week in one of New Zealand’s most visited towns.
Race week
Athlete check-in for all distances opens on Thursday 11 February at the Village Green on Lakefront Drive, alongside the merchandise store and “Beats and Bites on the Green” on Tutanekai Street. On Friday, drop bags are handed in, and TMiler runners attend a compulsory briefing at the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside. Optional buses run to each start on race morning, and spectator buses run to points on the course, including from the Waipa MTB car park and the Rotoiti Rugby Club. Exact times are on the official event schedule.
Getting there
Rotorua has an airport with domestic flights and is about three hours’ drive from Auckland (an estimate). Book flights and rental cars early, as the town is busy on race weekend.
Where to stay
Staying near the lakefront puts you close to check-in, the start buses and Tutanekai Street’s restaurants. Our things to do in Rotorua guide covers the town’s areas.
What to bring
February in Rotorua is usually warm, so supporters should bring sun protection and water, plus a rain jacket for forest viewing points. Runners should follow the compulsory gear list for their distance.
Make a trip of it
Stay for geothermal parks, Māori culture and the redwoods with our things to do in Rotorua guide, and make it part of our 10-day North Island road trip.
FAQ
When is the Tarawera Ultra 2027?
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Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
