November 22, 2025 brings the Northland Waste Kerikeri Half Marathon, a 21.1km out-and-back course through the Bay of Islands region. Runners repeatedly credit the net downhill profile for fast finish times. Registration is already open, and with super early bird pricing at NZ$80 through August 17, the window for the best rate is narrowing.

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Date: November 22, 2025 ·
Distance: 21.1 km ·
Location: Okaihau to Kerikeri, Northland ·
Sponsor: Northland Waste ·
Start Point: Okaihau

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • November 22, 2025 race date (Race Roster)
  • 21.1 km distance, Okaihau start, Kerikeri Domain finish (Kerigold Chalets)
  • Super early bird fee: NZ$80 until August 17 (Apuama)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact participant cap for 2025
  • Whether specific aid station locations will be published ahead of race day
  • Availability of pace group leaders
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Register via Race Roster before super early bird closes August 17 (Race Roster)
  • Book accommodation early — Bay of Islands peak summer season follows race (Race Roster)
  • Organise transport — last bus from Kerikeri departs 6:30 AM (Race Roster)
Detail Value
Event Date November 22, 2025
Distance 21.1 km
Start Location Okaihau
Region Northland, Bay of Islands
Sponsor Northland Waste
Past Entrants Example 913 in recent year

When is the Kerikeri Half Marathon 2025?

Saturday, November 22, 2025 is the date set for the Northland Waste Kerikeri Half Marathon, with runners hitting the road at 7:00 AM NZDT from Okaihau. The AIMS-certified course attracts competitors from across New Zealand, and the event serves as the season finale of Sport Northland’s Run/Walk Series each year.

Event Schedule

Race morning logistics are tightly coordinated. Wheelchair and race chair participants start at 6:55 AM, followed by the main runner field at 7:00 AM. Competitive walkers set off at 7:20 AM, hybrid run/walkers at 7:25 AM, and standard walkers at 7:30 AM. A compulsory safety briefing for half marathon participants runs at 6:45 AM, with race registration opening at 5:30 AM at the 21k start area.

For those without private transport, dedicated buses run from Kerikeri between 5:15 AM and 6:30 AM, departing from outside the toilet block on Cobham Road. The final bus to the start line leaves at 6:30 AM. Participants coming from Paihia should note the last departure is timed for 6:00 AM — plan accordingly.

Entry Deadlines

Three pricing tiers apply across the registration window. Super early bird entries cost NZ$80 and close on August 17. Early bird pricing at NZ$90 runs from August 18 through November 9. Standard registration is NZ$100 from November 10 up to race day itself.

The upshot

Locking in the super early bird rate before August 17 saves $20 compared to standard pricing — and committing early forces focus before the hard training blocks begin.

How long is the Kerikeri half marathon?

The Kerikeri Half Marathon covers the standard 21.1 km distance, certified by AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races). The course record stands at 1:04:58 for men and 1:13:45 for women — figures that reflect the net downhill profile runners consistently praise.

Distance Details

The course is 86% paved road with the remaining 14% on gravel surfaces. Aid stations appear approximately every 3–4 km along the route, stocked with water and electrolytes to sustain race pace.

Runners aged 16 and over are eligible for the half marathon. Registration bundles include race entry, a timing chip, event t-shirt, finisher’s medal, post-race refreshments, and access to finish line festivities at Kerikeri Domain.

Course Breakdown

Beyond the half marathon, a 5km option runs concurrently, starting at 7:30 AM from Marsden Estate Winery & Restaurant. The 5km is entirely off-road, winding through Kerikeri’s forest trails and past the Wairoa Stream Waterfall — a notably different experience from the half marathon’s road-based route. Children under 15 require adult company for the 5km event.

Why this matters

Non-competitive runners or families can target the 5km for a completely different taste of the region while participants tackling the half marathon work through the rolling farmland between Okaihau and Kerikeri Domain.

What is the Kerikeri half marathon 2025 route?

The route traces an out-and-back journey along State Highway 1 and connecting roads, beginning at the junction of SH1 and Waiare Road in Okaihau and finishing at Kerikeri Domain in the centre of town. The terrain is rolling rather than flat, but the cumulative elevation profile tells a clear story: approximately 200 metres of net downhill descent overall.

Start and Finish

Okaihau marks the start line — a small Northland community positioned to give the course its characteristic descent profile toward Kerikeri. The finish at Kerikeri Domain places runners in the heart of the town, where post-race activities include lunch and live music. The 5km option diverges entirely, beginning at Marsden Estate Winery & Restaurant rather than Okaihau.

Terrain Profile

The course climbs across roughly 3.4 miles with a −6% climb factor — equivalent to running a flat 3.2 miles in effort terms. The descent is gradual and sustained rather than steep, which helps maintain turnover without punishing the quads on the way home. The 86% paved surface means most of the race runs on sealed road, with gravel sections confined to identified portions.

How to register for Kerikeri half marathon 2025?

Registration runs exclusively through Race Roster, the timing and entry platform used by Sport Northland for this event. The process is straightforward, but transport logistics deserve early attention since private vehicles aren’t practical at the start area.

Entry Process

Navigate to the event page on Race Roster, select your category (full half marathon, 5km, or one of the walk divisions), and complete payment. You’ll receive a timing chip as part of the package — no separate hire required. Confirm your age meets the 16+ requirement for the half marathon before signing up.

Once registered, monitor Race Roster for updates on race pack collection, transport arrangements, and any course modifications. The organiser publishes key logistics through the platform in the weeks leading up to November 22.

Ticket Info

Three price bands apply across the registration timeline. The most economical path is the NZ$80 super early bird rate, available through August 17. Early bird at NZ$90 covers August 18 through early November. Standard pricing of NZ$100 applies from November 10 through race morning.

What to watch

Race morning transport is limited and strictly timed. If you’re staying in Paihia or Russell, the 6:00 AM departure window from Paihia leaves little margin for error — consider shifting accommodation to Kerikeri the night before.

What is the easiest half marathon in New Zealand?

The Kerikeri Half Marathon frequently appears in discussions about New Zealand’s fastest courses — a reputation built on its net downhill profile and the sustained, gradual descent that favours runners targeting personal bests. The 200m of overall elevation loss distinguishes it from flatter courses that lack the scenery of Northland’s farmland and forest.

Kerikeri Course Rating

The course isn’t technically flat — the climb factor of −6% over 3.4 miles means effort is required — but experienced runners understand that a net downhill profile consistently produces faster times than a flat course with equivalent fitness. The AIMS certification means qualifying times are recognised for Boston Marathon eligibility and similar standards.

Course records of 1:04:58 (men) and 1:13:45 (women) from Kerigold Chalets illustrate the time potential. Aid stations every 3–4 km, combined with the November timing (early spring in New Zealand), create conditions conducive to strong performances.

NZ Comparisons

Other notable North Island half marathons include the Rotorua Half Marathon, known for its lake views but flatter profile, and the Taupo Half Marathon, which draws large fields but tends toward variable weather. The Taupo event offers a net downhill component, though the Kerikeri course’s combination of scenery, AIMS certification, and the Bay of Islands setting gives it a distinct appeal for destination runners.

Event Timeline

Event established — nearly four decades of continuous operation
Previous edition with 913 entrants, setting baseline for 2025 expectations
Northland Waste Kerikeri Half Marathon — race day
Next edition planned

What We Know — And What We Don’t

Confirmed

  • Date: November 22, 2025
  • Distance: 21.1km
  • Starts Okaihau, finishes Kerikeri Domain
  • Net downhill elevation of approximately 200m
  • 86% paved, 14% gravel surface
  • AIMS certified course
  • Runner field starts at 7:00 AM
  • Minimum age: 16 years
  • Course records: 1:04:58 men, 1:13:45 women
  • Super early bird: NZ$80 until August 17

Uncertain

  • Exact participant cap for 2025
  • Specific aid station locations along the route
  • Whether pace group leaders will be offered
  • 2025 result times and any record attempts
  • Medical support station placements

What People Say

It’s not just the downhill that makes Kerikeri fast — it’s the way the course flows through the countryside without any sharp climbs to break your rhythm.

— Running community commentary, Running Calendar NZ

The final event in the Sport Northland Run/Walk Series each year, Kerikeri draws runners from across the North Island who know the course rewards good pacing.

— Running Calendar NZ, event overview

Runners who target personal bests often choose Kerikeri specifically because the net elevation loss compounds across the distance — a few seconds per kilometre adds up to meaningful time savings.

— Course analysis, HelloDrifter

For runners weighing up their next half marathon, the registration math is simple: the super early bird rate closes August 17, the course is certified for qualifying attempts, and the Bay of Islands setting makes a weekend trip worthwhile beyond the race itself. Whether you’re targeting a specific time goal or simply want a course that doesn’t fight you on the way in, November 22 in the Northland calendar deserves a spot on the training schedule.

Related reading: half marathon pace chart

Additional sources

raceroster.com, northlandwaste.co.nz

Participants in the Northland Kerikeri Half Marathon should explore Bay of Islands stays in Paihia or Kerikeri for convenient pre-race lodging near Okaihau.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Kerikeri Half Marathon held?

The half marathon starts at Okaihau (junction of State Highway 1 and Waiare Road) and finishes at Kerikeri Domain in the centre of Kerikeri, Northland. The Bay of Islands region provides the scenic backdrop for the rolling 21.1km course.

Does the Kerikeri Half Marathon have a 5k option?

Yes. The 5km event runs concurrently, starting at 7:30 AM from Marsden Estate Winery & Restaurant. Unlike the half marathon’s road-based route, the 5km is entirely off-road, winding through forest trails past the Wairoa Stream Waterfall.

What is the average finishing time for Kerikeri Half Marathon?

Average finishing times vary by field size and runner experience. The course records are 1:04:58 (men) and 1:13:45 (women). Recreational runners typically finish between 1:45 and 2:15, with the net downhill profile benefiting runners across the ability spectrum.

Are there results from past Kerikeri Half Marathons?

Race results are published through Race Roster and the Running Calendar NZ platform following each edition. The 2024 event drew 913 entrants, providing a reference point for participation levels and competitive benchmarks.

Is the Kerikeri Half Marathon suitable for beginners?

Runners new to the half marathon distance should be aware that while the net downhill profile is forgiving, the course isn’t flat — there’s a notable climb section around the mid-point. First-timers who have completed a 16–18 week training block and can run 16–18 km comfortably should manage the distance well.

What weather to expect for Kerikeri Half Marathon 2025?

The November timing places the race in early spring for New Zealand’s Northland region. Weather tends to be mild with average temperatures in the mid-teens Celsius, though rain and wind are possible. Runners should check the forecast in the final week and prepare for variable conditions.

How to view Kerikeri Half Marathon 2025 results?

Results will be published on Race Roster following the November 22 race, with supplementary listings on Running Calendar NZ. Live tracking may be available through the Race Roster platform closer to race day.