Contiki has launched a new eight-day New Zealand itinerary built around the Muriwai Half Marathon, combining running, conservation and geothermal adventure.
The ‘NZ Run Club: Muriwai Half Marathon’ itinerary loops from Auckland through the North Island’s geothermal heart, with the main event taking runners along black-sand beaches and cliffside trails on Muriwai’s wild west coast.
Race options include 21km, 7km and 3km distances, with walkers and cheer squad members equally welcome.
The marathon was born from a collaboration between Contiki Trip Managers Cameron and Boyd Steel and the Muriwai community following Cyclone Gabrielle.
While 600 runners took part in 2025, more than 1,000 participants are expected in October this year, with 100 per cent of event proceeds funding predator control, native habitat protection and the reintroduction of the kiwi bird and kororā (little blue penguin) across a 2,000-hectare coastal conservation corridor.
Beyond the race, the itinerary includes a visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua, trail runs through Rotorua’s Sulphur Park over steaming vents and boiling mud flats, volcanic plateau trails around Tongariro National Park and recovery soaks in the thermal waters of Wairakei Terraces in Taupō.
A 10 per cent launch discount is available using promo code PPMATESRATES on bookings made before September 21, with prices starting from $2,394 per person.
