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!
September 2026
Trail event in Hawke’s Bay on 26 September 2026 offering run and walk options at 34 km, 21.1 km, 15 km and 5 km.
A 12 hour community running and walking event at Henderson Park on 27 September 2026, featuring a gentle 4 km loop, an event village, dog category, medals and hourly spot prizes.
October 2026
On 3 October 2026 McLaren Falls Trail in Tauranga offers 5 km, 10 km and 14.5 km routes through forest and lakeside trails. Surfaces include gravel, road and grassy sections and elevation gain reaches up to 333 m.
Trail runs and walks through native bush and waterfront trails in the Marlborough Sounds, offering distances of 24 km, 13 km, 10 km and a 2 km Kids Dash. The 24 km Link includes an optional boat transfer to the start and finishes at Picton waterfront..
Off road walk and run in Bottle Lake Forest and Christchurch beaches on Sunday 4 October 2026. Multiple distances from a 2.5 km children's run to a full marathon; dog friendly and open to participants without dogs.
Trail and rural road routes start and finish at Black Barn Vineyards in Havelock North on 10 October 2026. Options include 5.8 km, 12.3 km and 14.5 km over mixed gravel and sealed surfaces.
Multi-distance trail event on the Hauraki Rail Trail with 9 km to 100 km options, train-linked starts and a common finish at Waihi Train Station.
Trail festival on Muriwai’s west coast with 22 km, 7 km and 3 km options, festival amenities, and proceeds supporting kiwi conservation.
Trek the Forest at Lake Tikitapu on 17 October 2026 offers three trail distances through Blue Lake and Whakarewarewa forest, from a short lake loop to longer routes with substantial elevation gain.
A multi-distance trail event on the Great Lake Trail in Taupō on 17 October 2026, with routes from 24 km to 100 km and lakeside mountain scenery.
Coastal trail event in Pūkorokoro/Miranda offering 21K, 10K, 5K and a 1.5 km kids race through important shorebird habitat.
Trail races across Christchurchs Port Hills on Sunday 18 October 2026, from a 53 km ultra to short family courses with harbour and hill views.
Experience the landscape of Kaikōura through a variety of trail events including a marathon, half marathon, and shorter distances. This event supports the local community while showcasing the peninsula and Mt Fyffe.
A multi-event weekend in Twizel featuring canal kayak races, Dusky mountain bike distances and the Pyramid off-road run, with options to enter one event or complete all three.
A free backyard ultra in Waipukurau on 24 October 2026 featuring repeated 6.7 km laps and $500 cash prizes for the last man and the last woman standing.
Trail event at Staveley, Canterbury offering 42 km, 21 km, 10 km and 5 km courses over gravel, farm tracks and technical single track.
November 2026
A series of rogaining events in Oct and Nov 2026 around the Port Hills and Christchurch, featuring team map and compass navigation and a separate 6 hour Spring Rogaine.
Trail running and walking festival in Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua with events from 2 km kids loops to a 50.2 km ultra across four forest peaks.
Explore the scenic Hamilton Gardens and Waikato River trails on a fully paved course. Choose from three distances featuring manicured landscapes and native bush while enjoying views of the river banks.