{"id":3807,"date":"2023-03-30T08:23:11","date_gmt":"2023-03-29T21:53:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marathontours.com\/en-au\/events\/first-light-marathon\/"},"modified":"2026-03-05T11:33:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T01:03:50","slug":"first-light-marathon","status":"publish","type":"events","link":"https:\/\/marathontours.com\/en-au\/events\/first-light-marathon\/","title":{"rendered":"First Light Marathon & Half 2027"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":3800,"template":"","event_types":[18],"event_locations":[51],"event_distances":[45,16,8],"event_course_types":[22],"event_seasons":[27],"class_list":["post-3807","events","type-events","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","event_types-adventure","event_locations-new-zealand","event_distances-adventure","event_distances-half-marathon","event_distances-marathon","event_course_types-trail-remote","event_seasons-winter"],"acf":{"event_hero_image":3799,"event_logo":3802,"event_logo_background":{"enable":false,"background_colour":"#FFFFFF"},"event_status":"waitlist","event_status_labels_available":"book-now","event_status_labels_waitlist":"waitlist","event_status_labels_off_sale":"sold-out","event_waitlist_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Join Waitlist 2027","url":"#booknow","target":""}},"event_additional_buttons":null,"event_book_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Book Now","url":"https:\/\/bookingau.marathontours.com\/experience\/first-light-marathon-2026\/12","target":"_blank"}},"event_extra_button":"","event_overview":"

Enter the 2027 First Light Marathon<\/h2>\r\nNew Zealand\u2019s north Island will greet you with warmth and the sun\u2019s morning rays at First Light Marathon 2027!<\/strong>\r\n\r\nJoin us for an incredible cultural experience and adventure at the First Light Marathon in Tair\u0101whiti Gisborne, Aotearoa New Zealand!\r\n\r\nShort, steep hills will greet your feet and you may get sand in your shoes along the pristine beaches, but you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the world\u2019s first sunrise over the Pacific Ocean on Race Day!\r\n\r\nHome to countless wineries, excellent food, and world class beaches, your stay in Tair\u0101whiti Gisborne, also know as the \u201cChardonnay Capital\u201d of Aotearoa New Zealand, will delight you in many ways.\u00a0\u00a0 Grab a surfboard and catch a wave, don waders and explore the magical underwater reefs around Gisborne or learn about the southern hemisphere\u2019s night sky through telescopes with an astronomer by your side; these are only a few optional activities on this trip.\r\n\r\nStart your adventure early in Auckland and spend four delightful days overland to Tair\u0101whiti Gisborne with stops at the award-winning Hamilton Gardens and Middle earth, home to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.\u00a0 Or consider extending your trip and hike the famed Tongariro Alpine Crossing, 12 miles of pure, rugged Aotearoa New Zealand beauty. The trek is considered the best one-day walk in the country and is consistently ranked in the Top 10 one-day walks in the world.\r\n\r\nNew Zealand culture is steeped in Maori tradition and you will leave this country with an appreciation for the practices of the Maori people that New Zealand honors and keeps alive through ritual, song, gatherings and celebrations.","event_overview_button":"","event_feature_icons":null,"event_features":{"meals_included":{"detail":"Breakfast and lunch as mentioned in itinerary","title":"Meals Included"},"guide":{"title":"Guide","detail":""},"transfers":{"detail":"","title":"Transfers"},"trip_extension":{"title":"Trip Extension","detail":"Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Extensions Available\r\n"},"accommodation":{"title":"Accommodation","detail":"Four nights accommodation"},"entry":{"title":"Entry","detail":"Marathon or Half Marathon entry "},"celebration_party":{"detail":"Celebration Dinner\r\n","title":"Celebration Party"},"excursions":{"title":"Excursions","detail":"Additional tours and excursions available\r\n"},"helping_hand":{"title":"A Helping Hand","detail":""},"worldwide_events":{"title":"Worldwide Events","detail":""},"medal_bling":{"title":"Medal Bling","detail":""}},"event_gallery":[{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":3803},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":3801},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_video","youtube_video":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Yk36GOWe1Tc"},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":3804},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":3800},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":3799}],"event_packages":[{"package_title":"First Light Package 2026","package_duration":"4 Nights","package_dates":"January 22 - 26, 2026","package_days":[{"day_title":"Thursday, January 22","day_content":"Arrive to Tair\u0101whiti Gisborne (GIS) either by a domestic flight (1 hour from Auckland) or by bus (6-7 hours from Auckland). Alternatively, guests might consider renting a car.\u00a0 Consider joining our pre-tour starting in Auckland and we will take you to Gisborne overland in four fun-filled days.\r\n\r\nA short shakeout run at 6:00 PM guided by a local runner will set off for 3.5 miles at a relaxed pace.\u00a0 After the run, we\u2019ll gather for complimentary beer and some finger foods, where you can get to know your fellow marathon participants, meet the organizers and raise a glass to the beginning of our Aotearoa New Zealand adventure.\r\n\r\n(Finger food after shake-out run included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Friday, January 23","day_content":"Early this morning, we offer an optional excursion, \u201cStingray Encounter,\u201d in Tatapouri. During this excursion, you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with stingrays and other reef dwellers on a reef ecology tour. We will return to the hotel in time for the rest of the day\u2019s activities.\r\n\r\nAll participants will get together in the late morning for a traditional M\u0101ori welcome ceremony, known as a p\u014dwhiri. A p\u014dwhiri is a special ritual of encounter and the perfect way for us to experience M\u0101ori traditions. It usually takes place at the M\u0101ori meeting grounds, called a marae. The ceremony involves singing, dancing and speeches. \u00a0After the ceremony, we will enjoy lunch at the marae.\r\n\r\nThe rest of the afternoon is yours to soak in the cultural attractions of the city, hit the beaches, or explore the hiking paths. In the evening, all participants will meet to enjoy a pasta dinner.\r\n\r\n(Lunch & pasta dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Saturday, January 24 - Race Day!","day_content":"Race Day!<\/strong>\u00a0After an early breakfast at the hotel, a short walk takes you to the start line of your race.\u00a0 As the first light of day crests the horizon, you\u2019ll set off to the sound of traditional music and excited locals. Both the marathon and half-marathon begin at 5:40 AM and end at 1:40 PM.\u00a0 The 6 km Fun Run will start at 7:10 AM.\r\n\r\nIn the evening, meet other runners at The Wharf Bar & Grill and share race adventure over an ice cold beer. The first beer is on us! The Wharf has beautiful views Gisborne Inner Harbor.\u00a0Later in the evening, we offer an optional excursion, \u201cGisborne Astro Tours,\u201d which will introduce you to the celestial wonders of the Southern Hemisphere. An accomplished astronomer will be your guide to the starry constellations.\r\n\r\n(Light lunch at the finish line included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Sunday, January 25","day_content":"Today, explore Gisborne at your own pace, or opt to join one of our two exciting excursions below:\r\n\r\nWalking tour of Tolaga Bay and Cooks Cove: Cooks Cove is named after Captain James Cook, who stopped here in 1769 during his circumnavigation of New Zealand.\r\n\r\nLearn to Surf: Whether you\u2019re a complete beginner or you just want to refresh your skills, our talented instructors will have you riding the waves in no time!\r\n\r\nIn the late afternoon all participants will be driven out to a local winery to celebrate yesterday\u2019s achievements together with a festive dinner.\r\n\r\n(Celebration Dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Monday, January 26","day_content":"Sadly, it is time to say goodbye to Tair\u0101whiti Gisborne.\u00a0 After check-out, make your way to the airport or consider joining us for an exciting 5-Night extension!\r\n\r\n(No meals included)<\/em>"}]}],"event_extensions":"

Pre-Race Extension: Hobbiton & Bay of Plenty | 3 \u2013 Nights: January 19 \u2013 22, 2026<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nExplore the magical Hobbiton from Lord of the Rings, get lost in Hamilton Gardens and relax at Bay of Plenty.\r\n\r\nMonday, January 19 \u2013 Welcome to Auckland!\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\nArrive to Auckland today and make your way to the Grand Millenium, Auckland.\u00a0 At 2:00 PM, join our guided bus tour through the city and the cozy suburbs of Parnell, home to quaint, well-restored houses, small restaurants, and galleries. We will visit the renowned Bastion Point for panoramic views of the city and the sparkling Hauraki Gulf.\u00a0 Upon return to our hotel, the evening is at leisure for you to explore the wonders of Auckland further on your own.\u00a0 Make your way to the port and choose from several excellent eating establishments.\r\n\r\n(No meals included)<\/em>\r\n\r\nTuesday, January 20 \u2013 Hamilton Gardens, Middle Earth & The Green Dragon Inn<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast at our hotel, we will make our way to Hamilton, passing Bombay Hills and following New Zealand\u2019s longest river, the Waikato.\r\n\r\nIn Hamilton we will visit the internationally recognized award-winning Hamilton Gardens for a self-guided tour through the gardens.\u00a0 Explore one or all of the five unique garden collections that include The Paradise Garden Collection featuring a Chinese Scholars Garden, English Flower Garden, Japanese Garden of Contemplation, American Modernist Garden, Italian Renaissance Garden, and an Indian Char Bagh Garden.\u00a0 Alternatively, you might be intrigued by one of the Fantasy Gardens \u2013 the Tudor Garden; Tropical Garden; Concept Garden or the Mansfield Garden.\r\n\r\nAfter our time in the gardens, we will travel to Middle-earth and explore the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Our guided tour begins as we traverse the picturesque 1,250-acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. \u00a0Afterwards, we exit our vehicle, and our guide will escort us through the ten-acre site recounting fascinating details as to how the Hobbiton set was created. The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill and other structures created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films can be easily observed and it\u2019s possible to see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle earth. Upon completion of your tour, we will enjoy a complimentary beverage at the Green Dragon Inn.\r\n\r\n(Breakfast included)<\/em>\r\n\r\nWednesday, January 21 \u2013 Bay of Plenty, Mount Maunganui & Tauranga<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, we leave Hamilton and travel over the Kaimai ranges into the picturesque Bay of Plenty. Arriving in town of Mt Maunganui, often referred to as The Mount by locals, we begin with a scenic cruise to enjoy spectacular views of the area and its diverse topography; untouched white sandy beaches, lush green forests, islands, and small village settlements, contrasted with the highly developed port infrastructure. Keep your eyes open for seasonal wildlife such as blue penguins, sea birds or New Zealandic fur seals. \u00a0After your cruise, enjoy the Mount at your leisure, a laid-back suburb set on a peninsula surrounded by spectacular white sand beaches suitable for both swimming and surfing. The iconic Mount Maunganui, or Mauao, rises 232 meters from the sea. The walking tracks to the top of this extinct volcano provide 360-degree views which span the entire length of the Bay of Plenty. Relax on a glittering beach, hike to the top of Mount Maunganui or go shopping in the many boutiques dotted along The Mount\u2019s main street. Our hotel for the night is at Trinity Wharf in Tauranga.\r\n\r\n(Breakfast included)<\/em>\r\n\r\nThursday, January 22 \u2013 Gisborne<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast we will depart to Gisborne. Our route takes us along the east coast of the North Island where we will pass through the small towns of Matata and Thornton before reaching Whakatane. Whakatane is the heart of the eastern Bay of Plenty, as it aligns with its spectacular coastal shore and contains a rich cultural history. Here we will have time to purchase lunch before departing through the Waioeka Gorge. When we arrive at the sunny township of Gisborne we will check into our chosen accommodation.\r\n\r\n(Breakfast included)<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Post-Race Extension \u2013 Lakes & Legends | 5 \u2013 Nights: January 26 \u2013 31, 2026<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nMonday, January 26 \u2013 Tair\u0101whiti Gisborne to Rotorua<\/strong>\r\n\r\nToday, we will travel north through the scenic Waioeka Gorge before reaching Opotiki, and the lovely beach town of Ohope. From Whakatane, we\u2019ll travel along the Matata Straights before turning inland to arrive at Rotorua.\r\n\r\nBefore Rotorua, there is an optional rafting excursion. Experience the thrills and spills of the mighty Kaituna River and take on the world-famous Tutea Falls. Together with your expert guide, your team will enjoy an action-packed 50-minute ride through 14 rapids as you wind your way through a jungle canyon. No prior experience is necessary as full and comprehensive training is provided beforehand. All you need is a reasonable level of fitness, a sense of fun and adventure, swimwear, and a towel.\r\n\r\nFor guests who do not choose the rafting, we will continue to Rotorua, and you can check into the hotel. Due to its unique thermal and volcanic landscape and rich M\u0101ori culture, Rotorua is one of Aotearoa New Zealand\u2019s most popular destinations. The town forms part of the geologically active \u201cPacific Ring of Fire,\u201d and the bubbling thermal activity just below Earth\u2019s crust is evident throughout the city, from natural hot springs to bubbling mud pools.\r\n\r\nIn the evening, experience the warmth of the M\u0101ori people with a night of ceremonial rituals and storytelling. We will enter a replica pre-European Maori village, where we will see the hangi pit opened and then enter the ancestral Meeting House to enjoy a powerful cultural performance featuring tribal songs, myths, legends, and dance, including the vigorous haka. We will also enjoy a hangi buffet dinner, traditionally cooked in an earth oven.\r\n\r\n(Breakfast* and dinner included)<\/em>\r\n\r\n*Breakfast today is only included at select hotels (please see inclusions in the 5-day Package)<\/em>\r\n\r\nTuesday, January 27 \u2013 Rotorua<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis morning, after breakfast, choose our optional zip-line tour in the native forest or visit Lake Tikitapu by coach for a 1.5 hour walk or relax on your own.\r\n\r\nZip-lining: Explore the native forest on a 1.2 km network of Rotorua ziplines, swing bridges, and treetop platforms. Travel on 6 ziplines that total more than 650 meters. The highlight is the jaw-dropping, 220-meter Tui Son zipline that starts 22 meters up a 1000-year-old tree. Additionally, there are two treetop swing bridges \u2013 the longest suspended a full 50 meters! Treetop platforms are located throughout to allow participants to pause and absorb the magic of the environment. Since 2012, the zip-line operators have worked to restore the native forest in which they operate. Your participation ensures that the forest is flourishing in a mutually beneficial relationship.\r\n\r\nLake Tikitapu bus trip: \u00a0Famous for its striking color, the lake is known as \u201cBlue Lake\u201d by the locals. An easy 1.5-hour walk offers good views of both Lake Tikitapu and the nearby Green Lake, Rotokakahi.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, guests may simply relax on their own in Rototura.\r\n\r\nThe group will re-join in the afternoon for a special Polynesian Spa experience. We\u2019ll drive by coach out to Lake Spa, a deluxe hot mineral bathing and relaxation area that overlooks Lake Rotorua. Enjoy tranquil bathing and lake views in the four alkaline rock pools, each with different temperatures (from 36 \u030aC to 42 \u030aC). Sink into the serene environment as the sounds of waterfalls and reflections of the glistening water in the grotto relax you completely.\r\n\r\nLater in the evening, we\u2019ll travel out to Redwoods Nightlights, a 700-meter-long eco-tourism walking experience in the heart of Rotorua\u2019s Redwood Forest. The tour consists of a series of 28 suspension bridges and 27 majestic Redwood trees that are more than 118 years old. The walk also features 30 exquisite lanterns floating between 9-20 meters above the forest floor, designed by world-renowned designer and sustainability champion David Trubridge. Upon completion of the tour, we will return to the Distinction Hotel.\r\n\r\n(Breakfast included)<\/em>\r\n\r\nWednesday, January 28. Jan: Rotorua to Taupo<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, we\u2019ll begin with a guided two hour walk through Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Heading downhill, we\u2019ll pass through some of the youngest eco-systems in the world as we view a wide variety of geothermal activity, native plants, and birdlife. See Echo Crater and Frying Pan Lake, the world\u2019s largest hot water spring, as well as the mysterious and dramatic Inferno Crater and its beautiful blue hot lake. When we reach Lake Rotomahana, we\u2019ll join a 45-minute boat trip to see the Steaming Cliffs, fumaroles, lake edge geysers, unusual thermal plants, and the site of the Pink and White Terraces that were destroyed in the Mt. Tarawera eruption.\r\n\r\nAfter the boat ride, we\u2019ll be shuttled back to the car park, where we\u2019ll reboard the coach and travel south through Kaingaroa Forest plantation and the Wairakei Steam fields. Enjoy a stop at the Huka Falls, where the clear waters of the Waikato River gush through a narrow canyon. We\u2019ll continue around the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand\u2019s largest lake, to our accommodation for the next two nights, Lakeland Resort Taupo, where we\u2019ll settle in and rest in preparation for tomorrow\u2019s challenge: the Tongariro Crossing.\r\n\r\n(Breakfast included)<\/em>\r\n\r\nThursday, January 29 \u2013 The Tongariro Crossing<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis morning, a short drive will bring us to the trailhead of The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, is 12 miles of pure, rugged Aotearoa New Zealand beauty. The trek is considered the best one-day walk in the country, and is consistently ranked in the Top 10 one-day walks in the world. The Tongariro National Park is a dual World Heritage site \u2013 rich in both cultural identity as well as breathtaking natural scenery.\r\n\r\nOur trail leads up to the saddle between Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro, and then diverts over Mount Tongariro. Fans of Lord of the Rings might recognize Mount Ngauruhoe as Mount Doom itself! At the top of the pass, in the presence of two active volcanoes, we\u2019ll experience some of the National Park\u2019s special gifts. A cold mountain spring, an active crater, emerald lakes, and hot springs combine to make this a challenging and deeply rewarding experience.\r\n\r\nTotal walking time is around 7 hours, including stops. No alpine experience is required, and we will be accompanied by a guide.\r\n\r\nPlease Note:<\/strong>\u00a0Weather in NZ is extremely changeable and difficult to forecast accurately. The operator has the right to cancel an adventure should they consider the weather to cause too high of a risk for guests.\u00a0 Weather will be deemed unsafe if, on the morning of the trip, there is consistently 10mm or more of rain, combined with wind gusts of 70km\/hr or higher forecasted for the 6-hour period starting at the beginning of the tour.\u00a0 If this occurs, an alternate route with similar topography will be recommended.\r\n\r\n(Breakfast and boxed lunch included)<\/em>\r\n\r\nFriday, January 30 \u2013 Taupo to Auckland<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis morning, we will travel north to Waitomo. In Waitomo, we\u2019ll stop for a Footwhistle Glowworm Tour. A quick scenic ride will take us to the cave, while an experienced guide reveals the rich history of the area. A short walk through the native forest and past waterfalls will get us to the cave entrance and into the natural chasm where glowworms are found.\r\n\r\nAfter the tour, we\u2019ll stop for lunch at a local cafe before travelling north through rolling countryside into Hamilton City, Aotearoa New Zealand\u2019s largest inland city. Then continue north, following the Waikato River, over Bombay Hills and into Auckland City. Auckland is built atop 50 extinct volcanoes \u2013 while most of them appear either as small, green hilltop or are completely removed, the three largest \u2013 Mount Albert, Mount Eden, and One Tree Hill \u2013 stand proudly over the landscape.\r\n\r\nUpon arrival in Auckland, you\u2019ll have time for a tour of the city. We will drive through the cozy suburbs of Parnell, with quaint, well-restored houses, small restaurants, and galleries. Visit Bastion Point for panoramic views of the city and the sparkling Hauraki Gulf and stretch out our legs at the Auckland Domain, the city\u2019s oldest and one of its largest parks.\r\n\r\nWe\u2019ll spend the night at Grand Millenium Hotel Auckland City.\r\n\r\n(Breakfast & lunch included)<\/em>\r\n\r\nSaturday, January 31 \u2013 Farewell Aotearoa New Zealand!<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast at our hotel, enjoy one last day in Auckland before your flight home or your next destination.\u00a0 Taxis to the airport are available from the hotel\u00a0(airport transfer not provided).<\/em>\r\n\r\n(Breakfast included)<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Optional Excursions:<\/h3>\r\nStingray Encounter | January 23 (2.5 hours)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOf all the ways to experience the magical marine environment around Tair\u0101whiti Gisborne, feeding the stingrays on a reef ecology tour is one of the most memorable.\r\n\r\nAfter a short bus ride, participants will be fitted with waders, and we will walk the reef at low tide.\u00a0 Observe and interact with Stingrays, Eagle Rays, Kingfish, and various other reef dwellers. The marine life on the reef is not enclosed, so all creatures are free to come and go. Guides will provide information on the reef\u2019s inhabitants, known as the Tamariki (Children) of Tangaroa, the Maori god of the sea. We\u2019ll learn about the different species. the local legends of Tair\u0101whiti Gisborne, and gain insight into some of the methods once used by the Maori to manage their natural resources.\r\n\r\nInclusions:\r\n