Bay of Islands Run/Walk Festival

Each May, the Bay of Islands comes alive with the sound of running shoes hitting pavement and the energy of hundreds of participants taking on scenic courses through one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal settings. The Bay of Islands Run/Walk Festival offers something for everyone, from families enjoying a leisurely 6km walk to ultra-marathon runners tackling a challenging 50km course through forest trails. As the third event in the Sport Northland Run/Walk Series, this festival attracts around 1,000 participants annually, bringing together runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds for a day celebrating movement and the stunning Northland landscape.

The Event at a Glance

The Bay of Islands Run/Walk Festival runs in mid-May, offering four distance options to suit different fitness levels and ambitions. The 6km walk-only option provides a gentle introduction for families and those new to events, while the 8.7km and 22km distances accommodate both runners and walkers looking for more of a challenge. For serious endurance athletes, the Trek Trail & Fish 50km Ultra tests limits with a demanding course through the Waitangi Forest and mountain bike park.

All distances finish in the heart of Paihia, outside the Village Green, creating a festival atmosphere as participants cross the finish line throughout the day. The courses showcase the Bay of Islands’ natural beauty, taking participants along Paihia’s waterfront with stunning views across the bay, through the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and into the native forest and mountain bike trails that few visitors to the region ever experience.

Registration opens months in advance with super early bird pricing, encouraging participants to commit early and secure their spot. The event is family-friendly, though children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Starting on Marsden Road adjacent to the Paihia Village Green, the various distances set off at different times to manage the flow of participants and ensure everyone has the experience they’re looking for.

Four Distances, Four Experiences

The 6km walk-only option follows Paihia’s waterfront, offering an accessible introduction to organized walking events. The route takes in bay views and passes through the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, providing both scenic beauty and historical context. It’s popular with families, older participants, and those simply wanting to be part of the event without the pressure of competitive running.

The 8.7km and 22km distances share similar routes but differ in length, both offering the choice to run or walk. These courses navigate along the waterfront before heading to Waitangi, where participants access areas of the Treaty Grounds and surrounding landscapes that showcase why the Bay of Islands holds such significance in New Zealand’s story. The terrain is varied but manageable, with some hills adding challenge without becoming prohibitive for recreational runners or determined walkers.

The Trek Trail & Fish 50km Ultra is an entirely different proposition. Starting early in the morning to allow sufficient daylight hours, ultra participants face a challenging course that includes the Opua to Paihia coastal trail, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and a substantial loop through the Waitangi Forest and mountain bike park. The route incorporates single track, forestry roads, and technical sections along mountain bike trails with names like Holland Days, Hua Link, and Kiwi Flow. With over 1,200 meters of elevation gain, it’s a genuine test of endurance that allows Northland athletes to challenge themselves in their own backyard while giving visiting runners a memorable introduction to the region’s terrain.

More Than Just Running

The festival atmosphere extends beyond the courses themselves. The finish area at Paihia’s Village Green becomes a gathering point where families wait for loved ones, participants celebrate their achievements, and the community comes together to support the event. The sight of runners and walkers of all ages crossing the finish line throughout the day captures the inclusive spirit that defines the festival.

For those tackling the ultra distance, the experience goes deeper. Early morning starts mean witnessing the Bay of Islands at dawn, with sunrise colouring the sky as they navigate the coastal trails. The solitude of forest sections contrasts with the encouragement at aid stations, where volunteers provide the support that makes ultra-running possible. The sense of achievement upon completing 50km through such varied terrain is significant, marking the event as a genuine challenge rather than just a long training run.

The event’s connection to the wider Sport Northland Run/Walk Series means participants can make this part of a seasonal goal, building fitness across multiple events. Regular participants often return year after year, treating the May festival as an annual marker of their fitness journey or simply as an opportunity to explore the Bay of Islands in a way that tourists rarely experience.

The Participant Experience

Registration includes a race number, timing chip for those wanting official results, and access to post-race refreshments and facilities. The event is well-organized, with clear signage, aid stations on longer courses, and support crew ready to assist. For ultra participants, compulsory gear checks ensure everyone is prepared for the demands of the course, with requirements adjusted based on weather conditions in the lead-up to the event.

The courses themselves are the main attraction. Running or walking along Paihia’s waterfront as the sun climbs higher, the Bay of Islands spread out beside you, creates moments that stay with participants long after the event. Access to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds during the run provides a unique perspective on this significant historical site. For ultra runners, the hours spent in the Waitangi Forest offer immersion in native bush that contrasts beautifully with the coastal sections.

Spectators are welcome throughout the course, with the waterfront and finish area providing easy viewing spots. The Village Green finish means families can enjoy Paihia’s cafes and facilities while waiting, turning the event into a day out rather than just a race. The atmosphere is supportive rather than intensely competitive, with participants of vastly different abilities sharing the course and encouraging each other along the way.

A Growing Northland Tradition

As part of the Sport Northland Run/Walk Series, the Bay of Islands festival has become an established part of the region’s sporting calendar. The event attracts participants from throughout Northland and beyond, bringing visitors to the Bay of Islands during a quieter tourism period and showcasing the region’s appeal to an active, engaged audience.

The involvement of local sponsors and supporters reflects the community’s embrace of the event. From businesses providing prizes to volunteers staffing aid stations and managing logistics, the festival relies on Northland’s willingness to support organized sport. The partnership with organizations like Northland Inc, through their Regional Events Fund, acknowledges the economic and social benefits these events bring to the region.

The addition of the 50km ultra has expanded the event’s appeal, attracting serious endurance runners who might otherwise overlook the Bay of Islands as a race destination. The challenging nature of the ultra course has earned respect within New Zealand’s trail running community, while the shorter distances ensure the event remains accessible to the broader community.

Plan Your Visit

If you’re considering participating, May in the Bay of Islands offers mild autumn weather, though conditions can vary, and ultra participants should be prepared for unpredictable weather. Registration typically opens in December with tiered pricing that rewards early commitment. The various distance options mean you can choose an appropriate challenge, whether you’re new to organized events or training for more ambitious goals.

Accommodation in Paihia and surrounding areas is readily available in May, outside the peak summer season. The event’s Sunday morning timing means you can easily arrive on Saturday, collect your race pack, and have the rest of the weekend to explore the Bay of Islands before or after your run or walk.

For those traveling with family or friends who aren’t participating, the Bay of Islands offers plenty to do, from dolphin watching to visiting historic sites. The event becomes part of a larger weekend away rather than the sole focus of your trip, though for many participants, the challenge of the course and the beauty of the setting make it the highlight.

For full event details, course maps, registration information, and updates on the coming year’s festival, visit the Sport Northland Events website.