Project Waikato
400km River Run, 26 Oct - 1 Nov 2025
About
I plan to run the length of the Waikato River — from Taupo to Port Waikato, as a personal endurance challenge. It will take me 6 days and I estimate to cover 400 kilometers, keeping as close to the river as possible and using as many river trails as I can link.During my journey, I want to learn more about the Waikato River, honour its beauty and importance to the local communities, and better understand its historical context and spiritual meaning.I also want to learn more about myself and celebrate my 10 years anniversary of moving to New Zealand.
Waikato River
River of Life
Stretching 425 km from the volcanic heart of Lake Taupō to the Tasman Sea at Port Waikato, the Waikato is New Zealand’s longest river. It winds through rolling farmland, native bush, and historic towns — a lifeline for the communities and ecosystems along its banks. Its waters power homes, nourish land, and hold deep cultural significance for local iwi. It’s a place of beauty, history, and connection — and worth celebrating every step of the way.
Support the River That Inspires This Journey
As I follow the Waikato River, I’m reminded that this journey is not just about endurance—it’s about connection. The river gives life, shapes the land, and carries the stories of everyone who lives along its banks.That’s why I want to support Waikato RiverCare, a community-based, not-for-profit trust restoring and protecting the health of the Waikato River through native planting, habitat creation, and long-term care of river margins.If this project moves you, please consider donating to Waikato RiverCare to support their ongoing work in caring for the awa -
The route
Have a look at my planned route below!
I planned it for 6 days of running and around 400km in total distance, and mapped it all out on Komoot. It looks like there are a lot of exciting things to check out on the way. Please let me know if I missed any gems!
Stage 1: Lake Taupo - Waikite Valley
Things I'm excited to see on this day:
- Running the path from Centennial Park to Huka Falls and to Aratiatia Rapids; I ran it a few times in the past, and it's such a lovely trail!
- Huka Falls - I'll be there early enough to avoid the crowds. I want to stop for a moment and just watch the immense body of water going with force under the pedestrian bridge
After those exciting first 20km, I've got a bit of road running to do as there are no trails that can get me further down the river - and I'll still have 60km to go! I'm a bit worried about doing such a long distance on the first day, but there were not many other options to stay for the night.
However, I've found Tyburn Monastery on the maps, contacted the nuns and they are welcoming me for the night! This will be my first time staying in a monastery, and I'm looking forward to this experience.
Stage 2: Waikite Valley - Mangakino
Day Two!!! I expect that by the morning of the second day, I'll realise the level of craziness of this adventure, and how physically brutal this endeavour will be. I'll have a bit of road running from the monastery up to Ohakuri Dam and then to Atiamuri power station. After Atiamuri I'll be on more familiar ground - Waikato River Trails! I ran the sections from Atiamuri up to Arapuni in June last year, and it'll be a great experience to be back on those beautiful trails again!
I'm looking forward to:
- The section between Atiamuri and Lake Whakamaru
- The views from the Ongaroto Bluff Staircase
- Lake Whakamaru domain - I've camped there multiple times, such a lovely spot!
- crossing Mangakino swingbridge
- getting fish n chips at the cafe in Mangakino!
It'll be the first time I'll hit the shops since leaving Taupo, so I expect I'll be looking forward to all the crisps, icecreams and lollies!
Stage 3: Mangakino - Arapuni
Day 3 on the road. I remember the trails from Mangakino to Waipapa Dam are lovely, but a bit more hilly than the previous day. Seeing Maraetai dam will be a highlight. I also plan to have a lunch break at the Waipapa dam - to get some energy and motivation before hitting the dreadful roads again! Thankfully, it's just six kilometers up the busy Waipapa Rd and then I'm turning into calmer country roads. The plan is to get to the lovely village of Arapuni for the night. I've rented an AirBnB cabin for two nights and planned the next day as recovery break.
Stage 4: Arapuni - Hamilton
By that point, I'll be halfway done - but there'll still be almost 200 kilometres to go!
I know I will want to quit, and I know I'll be swearing to never run again.
Lots of road running - and back into the town. I will be in Hamilton city centre on a Thursday night. Sweaty, hungry and immensely tired. But there'll be fast foods and - hopefully - a comfy bed. Maybe I'll even score a massage?
Stage 5: Hamilton - Mercer
The flattest day! Just 320m elevation gain across around 80km. Easy peasy! If we put aside the fact that I'll have around 270km in my legs already, haha!I will be looking forward to:
- Running the cycle trails to Ngaruawahia
- The road from Ngaruawahia to Huntly - this is the route of Huntly Half where my son Marcel ran his first ever half-marathon a few years ago! I've also been a pacer for this event in the past
- lunch break in Huntly
- passing by Rangiriri heritage area
- arriving in Mercer knowing that tomorrow is "just" 45km, it's the last night of this crazy adventure, and I will see my friends and family the next day!
Stage 6: Mercer - Port Waikato
The last day... I don't know what to expect. I'll be so relieved to finish this quest, so happy to see the family, but probably also a little sad to say goodbye to the river?
Who knows!Assuming I'll even get there, rather than abandon this ridiculous idea on day one of the adventure!! :D