Whakarewarewa Forest Marathon

Start at the Waipa MTB Carpark and head straight onto Mud Pool Link Road before climbing the Trig Track stairs. After Pohaturoa Trig, descend through Radio Hut and Nursery Roads and continue into Tikitapu Drive and the Redwoods Grove. 

Next climb steadily along Tokorangi Pa Track, reaching the ridgeline before dropping to Tarawera Road. A right turn leads into a loop around the Forest Use Trail and back through Pipeline Road, Apumoana Trail, and the fast, flowing Sidewinder.

At Lendall and Hill Roads, the route turns toward Windy Road and climbs past Tawa Carpark to the Eagle vs Shark lookout. It continues along Koe Koe Hill and into the Moerangi descent via Timewarp. From there, follow Loop Road and Chinaman’s Skid Road before crossing Chinaman’s Road until you reach Lookout Road at 26.5 km.

The descent begins around Kakapiko Peak, where you turn left into the new walking track. This links to the Whakarewarewa Black Track and eventually reaches Heath Road. After turning left onto Poplar Avenue cross Waipa Bypass Road and the Red Stag Truck Track before entering Paureanga Stream Track. Exit briefly to Nice Road, then loop through the Duck Pond area, and return to Nursery Road.

The final section includes The Wash Road, Spruce Road, and the steep Cardiac Steps climb. After reaching Katore Road, drop into Pig Track, Ovata Road, and back to Nursery Road. At around 40km, you'll turn onto the Yellow Track and follow it all the way back to Waipa, with a slight right at Bakers Hollow and a left up the final staircase. Finally a left turn onto Pohaturoa Road to finish.