Best Half Marathons In NZ 2021 & 2022
Whether you’re a seasoned half marathon runner or if you’re conquering the half marathon distance for the first time, New Zealand offers an incredible range of 21.1km half marathon courses that boast some of the most scenic views in the world.
If you’re looking for the list of the best half marathons that New Zealand has to offer, you’re in the right place! We’re downloading the best half marathons for your next running challenge.
The following is a list of what we think are the best half marathons in New Zealand:
Part of the Coastal Five
Join the newest half marathon on the New Zealand running calendar - the Coastal Five Half Marathon. This new NZ half marathon takes in the highlights of the famous New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, against the backdrop of the mighty Taranaki Maunga. It’s the best half marathon for beginners or those chasing a PB, as the terrain is mostly flat - provided you don’t get too distracted by the epic views of the Coastline!
This half marathon in Taranaki is part of the inaugural Coastal Five, a running event like no other in New Zealand. It’s a 5 event, 2 day challenge where you can choose your events or sign up for all 5 events to conquer the marathon distance over 2 days. So, you can enter the Coastal Half Marathon on its own, or tag on as many other events as you wish for an added challenge.
"Thank you to everyone involved in the planning and execution of this awesome event. Beautiful course and well organised. Everybody was so friendly; organisers, volunteers and runners/walkers."
- Sharee
"My first ever 21K,though I almost died at the finish line😂😂 ... excellent event for my first! Thanks guys!"
- Joseph
Part of the Auckland Marathon
There is something about running a half marathon in major cities and Auckland is no different. A combination of being part of big community events that see thousands take part and running along roads that are normally closed to runners.
The highlight of the half marathon is easily the run across the Auckland Harbour Bridge with the bridge closed to traffic. The only opportunity you'll get to do this.
A great event to enjoy the atmosphere as well as a mix of hills and flat roads.
Part of the Queenstown Marathon
Queenstown is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand if not the World. This event continues to grow in popularity due to the attraction of visiting Queenstown. The course is a mixture of trails and road and is surrounded by majestical lakes and beautiful mountains. This is the half marathon where you will have no trouble getting a support crew together.
Part of the Hawke’s Bay Marathon
This half marathon is all about the finish line with the unique attraction to this event a finish line festival of food and wine. Runners go pass the famous vineyards and orchards of Hawkes Bay and on a mixture of local cycle trails and country roads.
If you want to combine a love of running and the finer things in life then this is a must do event.
Part of the Taupo Marathon
The great lake of Taupo is also the home of another famous event, Ironman New Zealand. However, the half marathon in Taupo is also one of New Zealand’s longest standing running events. The views of Lake Taupo are hard to beat, and this course offers something for everyone from the serious runner to the first-time half marathon finisher.
Mount Maunganui is one of New Zealand’s premier tourist destinations. The half marathon course is fast, flat and takes in the loop around the Mount before finishing next to the beautiful beaches. This event is a great place for the whole family to visit and take in the numerous attractions that the area has to offer.
With a two lap course the Dunedin race is centered in the centre of town so spectators will never be too far from the action.
This is the race to do if you need your friends and family to be cheering you on throughout the race with the course weaving in and out of the city streets.
Combined with the marathon event this race is perfect to combine with a tour of historic Dunedin and a long weekend away.
