Spectator Information
Please be aware that spectators are not permitted on the runners’ shuttle buses. There are a few places to see and support your runner or walker, including:
– 35km & 21km: The race start at Mangapohue Natural Bridge. TOILETS . Admission is free. Parking is very limited (10 total vehicles) so we do not recommend parking here.
– 35km & 6km: Ruakuri Reserve. All 35km and 6km runners/ walkers come through the Ruakuri Reserve. Park in Carpark A. TOILETS. Limited parking.
– 35km & 6km: Finish-line at Glowworm Caves Visitors Centre.
Driving on Te Anga Rd
This is the road west of Waitomo Village. The road to Mangapohue Natural Tunnel is winding and narrow. Please obey the speed limits. Cars will encounter runners and walkers about 1km after Stubb’s Farm turnoff. Please obey speed signs and traffic marshalls.
6km and 35km runners/walkers finish at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitors Centre.
Driving to and staying in Waitomo
Accommodation
Here are some places to stay and things to do to help you make the most of your Waitomo weekend.
– Visit www.waitomo.com
– Stay at the Waitomo Homestead Cabins https://www.waitomo.com/discover/more/waitomo-homestead-cabins
Waitomo is within easy reach of the North Island of New Zealand’s main centres. If you are travelling by car from Auckland – please find driving info below to help you plan your journey:
Travel by car from Auckland
Via State Highway 1 & 39 (195km/2.5hrs)
CARPOOLING
The Waitomo village has limited parking, so we encourage CARPOOLING as much as possible. If you can, please fill a car with friends and family.
Take State Highway 1 signposted to Manukau/Hamilton.
At Horotiu – Exit State Highway 1 and turn right onto State Highway 39 (115km/1hr 19)
Follow State Highway 39 to State Highway 3 in Otorohanga (65km/49min)
Turn right onto State Highway 3 (signs for New Plymouth/Route 3) (7.7km/6min)
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto State Highway 37 (7.1km/6min)
Waitomo is approx 7kms on the left
See the map below:
