Event	Day	Start Time
42km Marathon - Whakarewarewa Forest Walk	Saturday	8am
21km Half Marathon - Whakarewarewa Forest Walk	Saturday	9am
10km Whakarewarewa Forest Walk	Saturday	10am
Rotorua Parents Centre/Plunket Family Walk	Saturday	10.30am
42km Town Walk	Sunday	7am
30km Challenge	Sunday	8am
20km Town Walk	Sunday	9am
10km Fun Walk	Sunday	10am
Dog Walk	Sunday	10.30am

REGISTRATIONS

Registrations are accepted for one or two days. Enter section(s) that suit your ability. Collect registration packs beforehand from 4pm Friday 14th or 7am Saturday 15th or 6am Sunday 16th March 2025 from the Registration Centre at Netherlands Society, Neil Hunt Park, Tarawera Rd. Packs contain the checkpoint card & participants ID patch, programme booklet & route maps, and any late information.

TEAM ENTRIES

To qualify for this category (and the ‘best team’ award) entries are welcomed from teams of 6-10 or more (max 19) who represent clubs, companies or similar organisations, as well as family or neighbourhood groups. Each team must walk together on the same route and be distinguished by all members wearing the same items of identifying apparel. e.g. Tee shirts with printed team name/logo. Many teams also carry a team flag or banner.

MARSHALLS

Marshalls will be along the routes to encourage and assist walkers with route information. At times, walkers will meet up with those on other routes. Toilets are available on all routes.

FOOD & DRINK

We encourage all walkers to carry their own water bottles. Cups will not be available on route except for Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Waipa Campus on Saturday and St Chads on Sunday.

Non-alcoholic drinks (juice & water) are available on-route at many marshal stations but please be aware that the drinks may not always be where or when you personally may need them so be prepared to carry a little extra. Finger food and light refreshments will be available at walk H/Q and also on some routes, so please carry some cash.

AWARDS

A ‘Rotorua Walking Festival’ medal or an update pin for previous achievers will be awarded to walkers who complete their route on both days and a “Finishers Certificate” will be available for those who complete their section on just the one day. Please carry your ‘Checkcard’ (on the reverse of the Participant tag) and collect the checkpoint stamps/clips for your route as you walk.

Participants to the shorter walks will receive a certificate of accomplishment from that event (note with the exception of the Rotorua Botanical Society Nocturnal Walk on the Friday night).

IML & IVV

The Rotorua Walking Festival is a member of the IML & IVV International Walking Organisations. International walkers normally participate to gain their IML ‘New Zealand’ bar and passport stamp. Minimum requirement for the NZ-IML passport stamp is 20km on both days (10km if you are aged 70 or older). All routes are also eligible for the NZ-IVV passport stamp.

SAFETY

The event is conducted on defined routes of variable terrain over public and private roads, walkways, forests, parks and among natural geothermal reserves. Participants need to take full responsibility for their own safety, health, well-being and have the ability to undertake the event and have an understanding of normal N.Z. road and safety rules. ATTENDANCE AT THE SAFETY BRIEFINGS HELD PRIOR TO THE START OF EACH ROUTE IS REQUIRED AND NECESSARY.

MEDICAL

Please wear suitable clothing, sunhat, and footwear. First Aid kits will be available at H/Q and medical assistance can be arranged if necessary. Showers are available (bring your own towels and toiletries).