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- Day 1 Auckland via Muriwai Kia Ora! Welcome to Auckland. Get to know your Contiki crew as we drive towards Muriwai for our first taste of the NZ Run Club.We'll walk around the rugged west coast for black sand beaches, the clifftop gannet colony and a conservation walk through native bush. Next, we'll sit down for dinner at Muriwai Deli where Boyd and Cameron Steel will share their story, from growing up in Muriwai to working with Contiki, and all the amazing conservation work happening across Aotearoa.Back in Auckland, we’ll wrap up the day and settle in after a proper west coast intro. Our scenic warm-up runs officially kick off tomorrow. Locations Visited: Auckland NZ, Muriwai NZ, Auckland NZ.
- Day 2 Auckland to Rotorua Catch ya' later, Auckland. Today we'll start making our way south, with scenic stops along the way.First up: a visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery, where you’ll get a closer look at New Zealand’s native kiwi and the work being done to protect them.In the afternoon, we'll roll into Rotorua, famous for geothermal landscapes and Māori culture. There’s time for optional ZORB rides, a run (or walk, if you like) through Sulphur Park. Then tonight we'll head to Mitai Māori Village for cultural performances, storytelling and a traditional hāngī feast. Locations Visited: Auckland NZ, Tirau NZ, Rotorua NZ.
- Day 3 Rotorua via Tikitapu Your morning is free to shape your own Rotorua adventure. You can opt in for a guided tour of Rotorua's canopy, go rafting or even visit Hobbiton. Okay, lace up. This afternoon, we'll hit up Blue Lake (Tikitapu) for an easy 5km jog. Along the way, you’ll learn about the lake’s cultural significance while taking on one of Rotorua’s most scenic routes. Back in Rotorua, it’s your call: wind down in the Polynesian Spa, or even take things up a notch with an optional gondola ride to Skyline Rotorua for a huge buffet dinner with wide-open views over the volcanic caldera. Locations Visited: Rotorua NZ, Tikitapu NZ, Rotorua NZ.
- Day 4 Rotorua to Taupo via Wai-O-Tapu and Huka Falls Kick off the morning with a walk through Rotorua’s towering redwoods and take in the fresh morning air. Next, we'll continue through Wai-O-Tapu’s geothermal landscapes, where bubbling mud and steaming ground show off just how active this part of New Zealand really is before heading down towards another natural wonder. Well, hello Huka Falls. Check out Waikato River at full force, and for an extra hit of adrenaline, there’s the option to take on the Huka Jet and get right up close to the base of the falls.Arriving in Taupō, the afternoon is yours to dial up the adventure with optional skydiving, bungy jumping or a swing experience. Later, you can join an optional dinner and sunset cruise to the Māori rock carvings, with the chance to spot the mountains you’ll be running near tomorrow. Locations Visited: Rotorua NZ, Waiotapu NZ, Huka Falls NZ, Taupō NZ.
- Day 5 Taupo via Central Volcanic Plateau and Wairakei You’ll head out from Taupō for a full day outdoors, with some of the North Island’s biggest landscapes on the cards. Today’s run takes you into the Central Volcanic Plateau, with route options around Tongariro National Park. Expect volcanic scenery, open landscapes and a stop at Tawhai Falls (AKA Gollum’s Pool!). After the run, we’ll ease into recovery mode at Wairakei Terraces thermal pools. Back in Taupō, we'll wrap things up with a pizza dinner at 2 Mile Bay - one of the best lakeside sunset spots in town. Locations Visited: Taupō NZ, Central Volcanic Plateau NZ, Wairakei NZ, Taupō NZ.
- Day 6 Taupo to Auckland via Tirau We’ll leave Taupō behind and start making our way back north.Next, we stop in Tīrau - a small town with big personality, thanks to its quirky corrugated iron buildings. It’s the perfect chance to stretch your legs, grab a bite, and yes, maybe tackle a classic Kiwi pie.Back in Auckland, the afternoon is yours to explore. You can opt in for the All Blacks Experience, head up the Sky Tower, take on the SkyJump or SkyWalk, or go for the Harbour Bridge Bungy or Bridge Walk. Tonight is kept relaxed with dinner at your own cost, ahead of tomorrow’s big event at Muriwai. Locations Visited: Taupō NZ, Tirau NZ, Auckland NZ.
- Day 7 Auckland via Muriwai It’s an early start as we head back to Muriwai for the big one: the Muriwai Half Marathon (or the 7k and 3k run/walk options, if you like). This isn’t just a half mara. You’ll join a local community event with route options that take in Muriwai’s rugged west coast energy. Expect trail sections, beach views, forest moments and support all the way - whether you’re running, walking, cheering or soaking it up from the sidelines. At the finish line, the surf club brings the goods: food trucks and an epic local atmosphere. After the event, you’ll return to Auckland to recover and spend one last evening of our adventure together. Locations Visited: Auckland NZ, Muriwai NZ, Auckland NZ.
- Day 8 Auckland It’s our final day together, so we’ll wrap things up with a relaxed recovery walk along Auckland’s waterfront. It’s your chance to stretch the legs, swap favourite moments with the crew and head home with a proper sense of achievement, new connections and one very solid NZ story. Locations Visited: Auckland NZ.
Name: NZ Run Club: Muriwai Half Marathon
Brand: Contiki
Quality: Tourist Class
Tour Type: Escorted
Start City: Auckland
End City: Auckland
Location Summary: Auckland, NZ
Muriwai, NZ
Tirau, NZ
Rotorua, NZ
Tikitapu, NZ
Waiotapu, NZ
Huka Falls, NZ
Taupō, NZ
Central Volcanic Plateau, NZ
Wairakei, NZ
Is Youth: This tour is open to those aged 18-35 only
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Highlights
- Dining Summary - 3 Dinner (D). 4 Breakfast (B).
- Included Experience - 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..




