NZ Run Club: Muriwai Half Marathon

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.