New Zealand
- Auckland Region 10
- Bay of Plenty Region 10
- Canterbury Region 21
- Gisborne Region
- Hawke's Bay Region 2
- Manawatū-Whanganui Region 3
- Marlborough Region 6
- Nelson Region 1
- Northland Region 1
- Otago Region 13
- Southland Region 3
- Taranaki Region 1
- Tasman Region
- Waikato Region 13
- Wellington Region 6
- West Coast Region 3
Trail Running Calendar New Zealand 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in New Zealand for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 118 exciting trail runs across the country. Find your next trail run in New Zealand below and join the trail community at these great events!
August 2026
A community fundraising run for Seddon School in Marlborough New Zealand held on Sunday 23 August 2026. Distances include 5 km, 10.5 km and 15 km and the day concludes with a gala at the school.
Forest Run Fest features four forest courses at Bottle Lake Forest near Christchurch, from a 2 km kids run to a 21 km half marathon, with marked trails, marshals and aid stations on the longer routes.
A multi-distance ultramarathon near Naseby, New Zealand, run on a 10 km figure eight loop beside the historic Water Race. Distances range from 50 km up to 200 mile, with a 60 km team relay format where each runner does 30 km.
A trail running event on 29 August 2026 at Waipapakauri, New Zealand, with multiple distances through Te Hiku Forest. Options include 4 km, 11.5 km, and a half marathon.
Multi-distance trail running and walking at Waitawa Regional Park with coastal views, native bush single-track, aid stations and safety and biosecurity measures.
A scenic point to point event on the Lake Dunstan Trail offering marathon, half marathon and 10 km options with aid stations, GPS tracking and on-course medical support.
September 2026
Self-supported 6 hour and 12 hour running challenges on a 5.5 km loop at Lakes Resort Golf & Country Club in Pāuanui with pay what you want entry.
A community running and walking event in Kaikōura with half marathon, 12 km, 5 km and a Marafun on mixed trail and rural courses with mountain and peninsula views.
Trail running in Kinloch Taupō on 5 September 2026 with multiple distances, 3D koru finisher medals and a no disposable cup policy.
Backyard Ultra at Centennial Reserve, Timaru where runners repeat a 6.7056 km loop each hour until one runner completes the final loop alone.
A riverside trail event in Turangi on 12th September 2026, featuring routes of 5km, 11.2km and 14.5km through native forest with swing bridges and mostly bush trail surfaces.
A community hill run in Wainuiomata offering 6.5 km and 10 km run or walk options, with kids and buggy categories and support for Kokiri Marae Pātaka Kai.
A timed backyard ultra on Rough Island with repeated 6.706 km laps started every hour until one runner completes a solo lap.
An orienteering final at Hedley Dunes, Woodhill Forest with a points series, prizegiving for best three scores from four events, and online and day entry options.
Seven trail distances around Lake Tekapo with an event village, a dark sky start for the 50 km, finisher medals and local hospitality on 19 September 2026.
Trail and road courses across Te Āpiti near Woodville on 19 September 2026, with distances from 10 km to 42 km and options for high school teams.
A muddy obstacle run across a Rangitikei farm with natural springs, dams and man-made obstacles, offered in 3 km and 5 km options with costumes and prizes.
Experience a scenic run or walk through the Auckland Botanic Gardens and Totara Regional Park. Choose from three distances featuring native bush, gravel tracks, and forest trails in a unique botanical setting.
A running event in Whanganui on 26 September 2026 with repeated 6.7 km laps each hour; Backyard Ultra runs until one runner remains and Backyard 6 finishes after six hours.