Kerikeri Half Marathon 2025 | New Zealand's Fastest Half Marathon Course

Guide to the Kerikeri Half Marathon 2025

The Northland Waste Kerikeri Half Marathon is New Zealand's fastest and most scenic half marathon, featuring a predominantly downhill course through the stunning Bay of Islands region in Northland. Scheduled for November 22, 2025, this premier Northland running event attracts thousands of participants seeking personal best times on the 21.1km route from Okaihau to Kerikeri Domain.

Established in 1987, the Kerikeri Half Marathon has grown from a small local event to one of New Zealand's premier running competitions, attracting thousands of participants from across the country and internationally. The event is known for its largely downhill course, making it ideal for achieving your personal best.

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Why Run the Kerikeri Half Marathon?

Fastest Half in the North Island

Run through stunning landscapes on a largely downhill course from Okaihau to the Kerikeri Domain. Set your personal best on this AIMS-certified fast course.

Experience Kerikeri

Discover the beautiful Bay of Islands region — rich history, stunning natural attractions, and famous local hospitality.

Famous Kerikeri Street Party

Celebrate your achievement at the legendary post-race street party with live music, local food, and festivities for the whole family.

Race Categories

The Northland Waste Kerikeri Half Marathon offers multiple race categories to suit runners of all abilities

Half Marathon (21.1km)

Start Time: 7:00 AM

Course: Largely downhill route starting at Okaihau and finishing at the Kerikeri Domain, perfect for achieving a personal best.

Age Requirement: 16 years and over

Charity: Option to fundraise for the Cancer Society

Post-Race: Lunch and live music at the domain

5km — Adults

Start Time: 9:00 AM

Course: Last 5km of the half marathon course.

Charity: Option to fundraise for the Cancer Society

Post-Race: Lunch and live music at the domain

5km — Kids

Start Time: 9:15 AM

Age Requirement: 15 years and under (must be accompanied by an adult if under 15)

Course: Last 5km of the half marathon course.

Charity: Option to fundraise for the Cancer Society

Post-Race: Lunch and live music at the domain

Course Details

Everything you need to know about the Kerikeri Half Marathon course

Half Marathon Course (21.1km)

The Kerikeri Half Marathon course is known for its scenic beauty and favourable profile:

Start Location: Okaihau
Finish Location: Kerikeri Domain
Elevation Profile: Net downhill (approximately 200m descent overall)
Terrain: Primarily sealed roads with some gentle rolling sections
Scenery: Rural countryside, orchards, and the beautiful Bay of Islands landscape
Aid Stations: Located approximately every 3–4km with water and electrolytes
Course Record: 1:04:58 (Men), 1:13:45 (Women)

The course is AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) certified, making it eligible for record attempts and qualification times.

Course Map

The Kerikeri Half Marathon route from Okaihau to Kerikeri Domain

Elevation Profile

Elevation profile showing the net downhill course with approximately 200m descent overall

5km Course

Perfect for beginners, families, and those looking for a shorter challenge

5km Course Map

The 5km route around Kerikeri Domain and surrounding areas

Course Details

Start: Marsden Winery
Finish: Kerikeri Domain
Terrain: Off-road trails with some natural undulations
Scenery: Kerikeri's beautiful trails and the Wairoa Stream Waterfall
Aid Stations: Water station at halfway point

Course Tips

The first 5km has some gentle uphill sections — pace yourself
Take advantage of the downhill sections between 6–15km
Be prepared for a few short climbs in the final 5km
The finish area can be crowded with spectators — look for your supporters!
November weather can be variable — check the forecast and prepare accordingly

Previous Winners & Records

Celebrating excellence in the Kerikeri Half Marathon

Recent Champions

Year	Men's Winner	Time	Women's Winner	Time
2024	James Wilson	1:07:32	Sarah Thompson	1:15:18
2023	Harry Linford	1:08:24	Hannah Miller	1:16:42
2022	Michael Voss	1:07:59	Olivia Ritchie	1:17:21
2021	Hayden Wilde	1:06:24	Camille Buscomb	1:15:08

Course Records

Men: Sam Wreford — 1:04:58 (2013)
Women: Lydia O'Donnell — 1:13:45 (2018)

Event Details

Everything you need to know about the Northland Waste Kerikeri Half Marathon

Date & Location

Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025

Registration: Opens June 1, 2025 — Register Here

Start Time: 7:00 AM NZDT (Half Marathon)

Start: Okaihau

Finish: Kerikeri Domain

Transport: Buses available from Kerikeri Domain to the start line (pre-booking required)

Post-Race Activities

Following the event, enjoy the famous Kerikeri street party with lunch on the domain while you groove away any aches and pains to live music.

Entertainment: Live music, food stalls, street performers, and activities for the whole family

Prize Giving: Approximately 11:00 AM at the Kerikeri Domain

Note: Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Organizer: Sport Northland

Contact: events@sportnorth.co.nz | 094 379 600

Charity Component

Step Out For Cancer — Make your run count!

Support the Cancer Society

74 New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer every day and must face one of the toughest challenges of their lives. By participating in the Kerikeri Half Marathon, you can help make a difference.

When registering for the event, you can opt to fundraise for the Cancer Society. Fundraising incentives include:

Raise $300: Receive a Cancer Society running short
Raise $500: Receive wireless Bluetooth earbuds
Raise $800: Have your entry fee refunded

Over the years, participants in the Kerikeri Half Marathon have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Cancer Society, helping to fund research, education, and support services for those affected by cancer.

Keen to support a Kerikeri Half participant as they take on the challenge? Click the link below to donate.

Find Out More Donate Now

Perfect Accommodation for Race Weekend

Find your ideal Kerikeri accommodation for the Northland Waste Kerikeri Half Marathon in the beautiful Bay of Islands, Northland

Private Chalets

Standalone chalets with full kitchen facilities, perfect for pre-race meal preparation. Set in our tranquil citrus orchard at 326 Kerikeri Road.

Executive Studios

Modern, comfortable studios with all the amenities needed for a stress-free race weekend. Walking distance to Kerikeri Domain.

Runner-Friendly Amenities at Kerigold Chalets:

Pre-Race: Early breakfast options at local cafes nearby
Parking: Free secure off-street parking at the property
Kitchen: Self-cater for pre-race nutrition control

Location: Walking distance to Kerikeri Domain (finish line)
Dining: Restaurants and cafes just minutes away
Laundry: Laundry facilities available on-site

Explore Kerikeri & The Bay of Islands

Make the most of your visit to this beautiful Northland region

Historical Sites

Kerikeri Mission Station: New Zealand's oldest European buildings
Stone Store: New Zealand's oldest stone building (1832)
Kemp House: New Zealand's oldest surviving European building (1822)

Natural Attractions

Rainbow Falls: Spectacular 27m waterfall just minutes from town
Puketi Forest: Ancient kauri forest with walking tracks
Bay of Islands: Dolphin cruises and the famous Hole in the Rock
Waitangi Treaty Grounds: New Zealand's most important historic site

Food & Wine

Kerikeri Farmers Market: Sunday mornings at Hobson Avenue
Kerikeri Packhouse Market: Saturday mornings at Kerikeri Road
Makana Chocolate Factory: Watch chocolates being made and sample the goods
Marsden Estate Winery: Award-winning wines and restaurant
Ake Ake Vineyard: Boutique organic vineyard with restaurant

Frequently Asked Questions — Kerikeri Half Marathon 2025

How do I register for the Northland Waste Kerikeri Half Marathon?

Registration is open through the Sport Northland website. Entries open June 1, 2025.

Is there an age restriction for the half marathon?

Participants must be 16 years or older for the half marathon. The 5km event is open to all ages, but children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

How do I get to the start line?

Buses transport runners from the Kerikeri Domain to the start line at Okaihau. Bus tickets must be purchased during registration.

What's included in my registration?

Registration includes race entry, timing chip, event t-shirt, finisher's medal, post-race refreshments, and access to the finish line festivities.

Can I transfer my registration to someone else?

Yes, registration transfers are permitted until October 31, 2025, for a small administration fee.

What happens if the event is cancelled?

Please see Sport Northland's cancellation policy on their website for full details.

Northland Waste Kerikeri Half Marathon 2025

Guide to the Kerikeri Half Marathon 2025

Event Gallery

Why Run the Kerikeri Half Marathon?

Fastest Half in the North Island

Experience Kerikeri

Famous Kerikeri Street Party

Race Categories

Half Marathon (21.1km)

5km — Adults

5km — Kids

Course Details

Half Marathon Course (21.1km)

Course Map

Elevation Profile

5km Course

5km Course Map

Course Details

Course Tips

Previous Winners & Records

Recent Champions

Course Records

Event Details

Date & Location

Post-Race Activities

Charity Component

Support the Cancer Society

Perfect Accommodation for Race Weekend

Private Chalets

Executive Studios

Runner-Friendly Amenities at Kerigold Chalets:

Explore Kerikeri & The Bay of Islands

Historical Sites

Natural Attractions

Food & Wine

Frequently Asked Questions — Kerikeri Half Marathon 2025

Kerigold Chalets Location in Kerikeri

Book Your Half Marathon Accommodation Now