8-Day NZ Run Club: Muriwai Half Marathon 2026

Price Includes

• 3 Dinner (D)
• 4 Breakfast (B)
• Auckland: Get inspired by a powerful conservation talk led by a Local Guide, where you’ll dive into the stories behind New Zealand’s most iconic and endangered wildlife. Learn about the efforts to protect the beloved kiwi, the cutest lil' blue penguin (kororā), and a range of unique native birds that call Aotearoa home. Best part? It's all set against the wild beauty of the coast, this eye-opening experience connects you to the land, its wildlife, and the passionate work being done to protect it.
• Auckland: Kick off your West Coast adventure with a laid-back dinner at Muriwai Deli, hosted by Contiki legends Cam and Boyd Steel (locals, long-time Contiki mates, and part of the team behind the Muriwai Environmental Trust and Marathon). Set just moments from Muriwai’s wild black sand beach, the Deli serves up fresh, local food that’s ideal after a day exploring the gannet colony, rugged coastline and conservation trails. With the ocean nearby, sunset views close at hand and your crew around the table, it’s an easy first-night intro to the people, place and story behind the trip. It's relaxed, hearty and properly local — exactly how Muriwai does it.
• Muriwai: Step onto Muriwai Beach, where striking black sand stretches along Auckland’s rugged west coast. With crashing surf, coastal cliffs and wide-open views, it’s a dramatic first look at this part of New Zealand. It’s also a great chance to breathe in the sea air, take photos and see why Muriwai is such a special place for the local community and conservation work connected to the trip.
• Muriwai: See one of Muriwai’s best-known wildlife sites: the clifftop gannet colony. You'll spot nesting birds, chicks and gannets riding the coastal winds. It’s an easy walk with big views and a proper look at New Zealand’s coastal wildlife.
• Rotorua: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, we'll head to National Kiwi Hatchery near Rotorua to learn all about the locals' efforts to protect New Zealand's adorable national bird.
• Rotorua: Run through the geothermal heart of Rotorua with a route through Sulphur Park dotted with steaming vents, bubbling mud pools and mineral-rich waters.  You’ll move through one of New Zealand’s most active geothermal landscapes, with the sights, smells and steam of Rotorua all around you. Raw, memorable and very much not your usual park loop.
• Rotorua: A traditional Māori cultural performance, topped off with a traditional Māori feast... this ought to satisfy even the keenest of culture vultures.
• Rotorua: Take on a 5km run around Blue Lake, also known as Tikitapu, one of Rotorua’s most scenic running spots. The route follows a forest track around the shoreline, with native bush, clear water and lake views along the way. You’ll also learn about the cultural significance of Tikitapu, adding extra meaning to a run that’s equal parts fresh air, movement and Rotorua magic.
• Rotorua: Step into Rotorua’s Redwoods Forest and wander beneath towering Californian redwoods, surrounded by native ferns, forest trails and birdsong. It’s a slower moment in the trip — a chance to breathe, reset and take in one of Rotorua’s most loved natural spaces.
• Rotorua: Wait til you see 'em. Wait til you smell 'em. These geothermic mudpools are a thing to behold.
• Taupō: Follow the mighty Waikato River on a scenic run through native bush, with turquoise water rushing alongside you. The route leads towards Huka Falls, where huge volumes of water surge through a narrow gorge. Fresh air, powerful scenery and a proper Taupō running moment.
• Taupō: Run at your own pace through the dramatic landscapes of the Central Volcanic Plateau, where alpine terrain, lava flows and wide-open volcanic scenery surround you. The route includes the Tama Lakes Track in Tongariro National Park, with crater lakes, mountain views and a rewarding challenge at every step.
• Central Volcanic Plateau: Take a short walk to Tawhai Falls (AKA Gollum’s Pool from The Lord of the Rings). Set among mossy forest and volcanic landscapes, this scenic stop brings together film-famous views, native nature and an easy dose of Middle-earth energy.
• Taupō: Unwind in the mineral-rich waters of Wairakei Terraces, where cascading thermal pools overlook the Taupō landscape. Surrounded by native bush and peaceful views, it’s the ideal place to recharge tired legs after a day of running, walking and exploring.
• Taupō: Wrap up the day at 2 Mile Bay Sailing Club, a laid-back lakeside spot known for pizzas, relaxed energy and sunset views across Lake Taupō. You’ll gather with the crew by the water, refuel after the day’s adventure and settle into one of Taupō’s best evening settings.
• Tirau: Check out Tirau, stretch your legs with a wander around this quirky Kiwi town known for its corrugated iron creations. This is small-town NZ at its best, so don’t skip the local bakery: grab a classic pie, fresh out the oven, golden and seriously satisfying. It’s the perfect pit stop to refuel before hitting the road again.
• Muriwai: Join the Muriwai Half Marathon and take part in a community event built around running, conservation and the wild west coast. You’ll follow rugged trails, take in black sand beach views, rolling hills and coastal scenery, with 3km and 7km options also available. It’s a feel-good finish that brings the crew together while supporting local habitat restoration and efforts to help bring kiwi back to the area.
• Auckland: Ease into the final day with a gentle recovery walk along Auckland’s waterfront. Stretch tired legs, take in the harbour views and spend one last morning with the crew reflecting on the runs, landscapes and shared moments from the trip. A calm finish after a big week on the move.