First Light Marathon Tour 2025
5 Day 4 Nights Package: 23-27 January, 2025
23 January 2025: Arrival in Tairawhiti Gisborne
All participants will arrive in Tairawhiti Gisborne either by a domestic flight or by bus. There are several options for domestic flights and buses. Tairawhiti Gisborne is about a 6/7 hour drive or a 1 hour flight from Auckland. Alternatively, guests might consider renting a car if you plan on doing a bigger tour around the island. If participants choose to fly to the local Tairawhiti Gisborne airport, transport to the hotel is included.
Around 18:00, all runners will gather for a relaxed shakeout run of approximately 5km, guided by your a local runner. The run will be a maximum of 5km at a relaxed pace, perfect for starting to get familiar with the beautiful surroundings. After the run, the group will gather for complimentary beer and finger food, where you can get to know your fellow marathon participants and raise a glass to the beginning of our Aotearoa New Zealand adventure.
Meals: Finger food after the Shakeout RunNot included
24 January 2025: Traditional Pōwhiri
Early this morning, we offer another optional excursion, “Stingray Encounter,” 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’ll be back to the hotels in time for the rest of the day’s activities.
All participants will get together in the late morning for a traditional Maori welcome ceremony, known as a pawhiri. A pawhiri is a special ritual of encounter and the perfect way for us to experience Maori traditions. It usually takes place at the Maori meeting grounds, called a marae. The ceremony involves singing, dancing, speeches and hongi (pressing of noses in greeting).
After the ceremony, we will enjoy lunch at the marae. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the local area. Tonight we will join together for a pasta dinner.
Meals: Lunch at the Powhiri & pasta dinner
25 January 2025: Race Day
Today’s the big day!
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you will make your way to the start line, just a short walk away. As the first light of day crests the horizon, you’ll set off with music and excitement thrumming through your body.
Both the marathon and half-marathon begin at 05:40 and will end at 13:40.The 6 km Fun Run will start 07:10.
In the evening you can meet other runners at The Wharf Bar & Grill and share your winnings and impressions of today’s run while tasting an icecold beer. The first beer is on us. The Wharf is beautifull located with views of Gisborne Inner Harbour.
Later in the evening, we offer an optional excursion, "Gisborne Astro Tours," where you will get to admire the celestial wonders of the Southern Hemisphere. An accomplished astronomer will be your guide to the starry constellations above.
Meals: Light lunch at the finish line
26 January 2025: Optional Excursions & Celebration Dinner
Today, you will have the day free to explore Gisborne at your own pace, or you might opt to join one of our three exciting excursions.
There will be several optional excursions today.The first option is a walking 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.The second option is, "Learn to Surf". Whether you're a complete beginner or you just need to refresh your skills, our skilled instructors will have you riding the waves in no time. In the late afternoon all participants will be driven out to a local winery for the Celebration Dinner. Together we will celebrate yesterday’s achievements with a festive dinner.
Meals: Celebration Dinner
27 January 2025: Farewell Gisborne or Hello Extension
Sadly, it is time to say goodbye to Tairawhiti Gisborne. After check-out, you’ll bid farewell to Aotearoa New Zealand. Alternatively, if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye, join us for an exciting 6-day extension!
Meals: Not included
*Activities subject to change.
