New Zealand 2025 Marathons

The First Light Marathon in Tairāwhiti Gisborne, New Zealand, stands out with its varied course that includes pavement, single-track trails, and a two-kilometer sandy stretch along Wainui Beach, all set against the backdrop of a stunning Pacific sunrise. This race not only challenges runners with its diverse terrain and elevation changes but also enriches the experience with cultural events like a traditional Māori welcome and celebration dinner.

The Buller Gorge Marathon is renowned for its breathtaking route through New Zealand's Buller Gorge, featuring a mix of flat gravel paths, timber boardwalks, and challenging hills, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Buller River and lush native bush. This race offers a memorable experience with its varied terrain and scenic beauty, making it a perfect choice for runners seeking both a physical challenge and a visual feast.

The Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon challenges runners with its rugged 42km course, traversing abandoned gold mining trails, riverbeds, and the breathtaking terrain of the Ben Lomond High Country Station. Known for its dramatic landscapes and historical intrigue, this race demands both physical endurance and mental resilience, offering a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of New Zealand's Queenstown.

The Aoraki Mount Cook Marathon takes runners through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand's Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, offering awe-inspiring views of mountains, lakes, and glaciers along the main Mt Cook Road. Known for its stunning scenery and environmental stewardship, this marathon combines a challenging yet rewarding course with a weekend of events that cater to a range of skill levels, ensuring a memorable experience for all participants.

The Christchurch Marathon's flat and fast course takes runners on a scenic tour through the heart of Christchurch, featuring iconic landmarks like Hagley Park and the Avon River. Established in 1981, this event is a celebrated fixture in New Zealand's running calendar, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a range of distances that cater to runners and walkers of all levels.

The Rotorua Marathon offers a stunning 42.195 km loop around Lake Rotorua, starting at Queens Drive in the Government Gardens and finishing at the Novotel Rotorua, with breathtaking views and a challenging yet rewarding course. This race is a cultural and community celebration, enriched by Māori heritage, enthusiastic local support, and versatile event options, making it a memorable experience for runners of all abilities.

The Hawke's Bay International Marathon in New Zealand features a picturesque course starting and finishing at the Sileni Estates Winery, with runners enjoying flat and gently rolling terrain through vineyards, orchards, and coastal paths. This marathon combines stunning natural beauty with a vibrant post-race festival of local gourmet foods and wines, offering an unforgettable experience for participants and their families.

The Kirikiriroa Marathon captivates runners with its diverse course, starting and ending at Hamilton Gardens and weaving through the scenic Te Awa River Ride, featuring cobblestones, pathways, and notable landmarks like the Perry Bridge. This inclusive event, embracing participants of all abilities, combines the thrill of a personal challenge with the warmth of community spirit, while supporting charitable causes like the Breast Cancer Research Trust and Achilles NZ.

The Wellington Marathon offers a fast, flat course that guides runners through New Zealand’s capital, featuring iconic sights like the Michael Fowler Centre and Oriental Bay, and providing breathtaking harbor views. Starting and finishing at Sky Stadium, this event is celebrated for its supportive atmosphere and includes the prestigious New Zealand and Wellington Championships in 2025, attracting both elite athletes and enthusiastic newcomers.

The Taupo Marathon takes runners on a 42.2km course that begins on Tongariro Street, featuring two loops and an extra circuit with breathtaking views of Lake Taupo and the snow-capped mountains along the Great Lake Pathway. As one of New Zealand's longest-standing events, it combines natural beauty with a family-friendly atmosphere, offering multiple race distances and a memorable experience for participants of all levels.

The Mission Mt Somers Marathon in Canterbury, New Zealand, challenges runners with its technical single tracks and significant elevation changes, offering breathtaking views of the Canterbury Plains and the Hakatere Conservation area. Starting and finishing at the quaint Staveley Village Store, this trail marathon is celebrated for its warm community atmosphere and stunning, diverse landscapes that promise a memorable experience.

The Auckland Marathon takes runners on an engaging 42 km course that begins in Devonport and crosses the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge, offering a unique blend of rolling hills and flat stretches with stunning waterfront views. This annual event not only showcases Auckland's natural beauty but also provides a well-organized race experience with multiple distance options, making it a must-do for runners of all levels.

The Queenstown Marathon takes runners on a stunning journey through New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes, with a course that mixes 70% hard-packed trails and 30% road, framed by the majestic Crown and Remarkable mountain ranges. Known as 'The World's Most Beautiful Marathon,' this race offers not only diverse running distances but also the chance to explore the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the Queenstown Lakes District, making it a must-do event for runners of all levels.

The Whanganui 3 Bridges Marathon features a captivating course that takes runners across three iconic bridges, blending urban landscapes with serene riverside paths. Located in the heart of New Zealand, this community-focused event offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere enhanced by enthusiastic local support and stunning views of the Whanganui River.