NEW ZEALAND
Event Guide
March 14 - 22, 2026
Welcome to
NEW ZEALAND
With headlining landscapes and world-famous trails, this trip will be one for the record books! We are so glad that you chose to travel with us and we hope you create memories that last a lifetime. Before we embark on this trail running excursion, let’s cover a few ground rules.
1. Once we arrive, we’ll send daily text updates on what we are doing the following day. Please make sure you’ve joined the WhatsApp group so that you don’t get left in the dark for any of the activities.
2. Be kind to our local team, be kind to each other, and be kind to the places we visit!
3. Go with the flow! Runseek Adventures is all about fun, trying new things, and pushing your own personal limits. Runseek Adventures are filled with new experiences, and you’ll be surprised at what you can take away from your trip when you just hang on for the ride. It’ll be fun!
We can’t wait to watch this week unfold. New Zealand may be our most far-away destination yet, but by the end of the week it will feel like another home. Lace up your shoes and enjoy the ride!
Zoe Calcott
Event Director
Quick Contacts & Info
Zoe Calcott | Event Director
Phone +64 21-212-4537
Jodie Fa’avae | New Zealand Partner & Guide
Phone +44 7356 065636
Local emergency
Phone 111 + alert Zoe asap!
HOW TO GET TO THE AIRPORT
DAILY ITINERARY
& ACTIVITY MAP
This itinerary is a general guide to how your days will flow. The exact time for daily departures, runs, activities, etc. will be communicated during the trip.
It is a good idea to pack everything you may need for the day in your day pack. This will stay on the bus with you throughout the day. We recommend always packing water, snacks, a jacket, a change of clothes and/or shoes, and something to do on the bus.
We’re checking out of our hotel on the days you see a suitcase
It’s laundry day! We’ll gather up your dirty gear and deliver it the following day.
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7 RUNS, 45.3KM
HOTELS
Night 1 | Tides Hotel, Nelson
Welcome presentation
Swimming Pool
Coffee House & Bar
Onsite Restaurant
Lake View
Sun Loungers
Night 2 | Alphine Lodge, Saint Arnaud
Mountain View
Spa
Jacuzzi/Hot Tub
Garden
Bicycle Rental
Night 3 | Hotel Chelsea, Westport
Free time 4:30 - 6:30 pm
WiFi
Patio & Balcony
Night 4 | Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika
Free time 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Beachfront
Hairdryer
Onsite Restaurant
Sun Terrace
Fitness
Night 5 | Ibis Hotel, Christchurch
Free time 4:00- 8 pm
Coffee house & bar
Restaurant & Bar
Fitness
Night 6 | Peppers Lake Tekapo, Lake Tekapo
Onsite Restaurant & Bar
WiFi
Night 7-8 | Pepers Beacon Hotel, Queenstown
Free Time Friday 5:30 – 8:00 pm & Saturday 12:00 - 4:30pm
Terrace
Bicycle Rental
Laundry
Onsite Restaurant & Bar
Garden
Massage Room
Spa
FAQS
Each evening around dinner time, your event director will send a message on WhatsApp with the next day’s schedule. If you have free time that day, you’ll see it in the schedule and you can do whatever you like! You don’t have to take advantage of the amenities at the hotel - you can take a nap, read, walk around, try a new restaurant, whatever you prefer.
Amenities that are generally included in the reservation are typically free. Amenities such as spas, bars and restaurants would be at your own expense.
We encourage you to not book a service or tour close to the time we return to the hotel, as sometimes there are unforseen delays or changes. If you want to book a specific tour or service during free time, check with your event director first.
AIRPORT
TRANSFER
Nelson Airport to Tides Hotel
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Go to Nelson Train Station that it’s inside the Airport
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Take the Route 4 THE BROOK-AIRPORT
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Go down in NELSON CITY CENTRE INTERCHANGE (23 min ride)
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Walk to Trafalgar St
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Turn left an walk straight till Hathaway Terrace
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Turn left and walk another minute
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You will see the hotel there
THINGS TO DO DURING
YOUR FREE TIME
Nelson
Nelson, New Zealand, is a beautiful region with a lot to offer. Here are some activities and things to do in and around Nelson
The Nelson Lakes
Explore the Nelson Lakes National Park, which offers hiking trails, fishing, and serene lakeside views, especially around Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa.
Arts and Crafts
Nelson is a hub for arts and crafts. Explore the Nelson Arts Trail, visit local galleries, and shop for unique handmade souvenirs.
Explore Mapua
Visit the charming coastal village of Mapua. You can enjoy its cafes, boutique shops, and the Mapua Wharf.
Nelson Market
Check out the Nelson Market, held every Saturday. It's a great place to shop for local produce, crafts, and delicious street food.
Kaiteriteri Beach
Head to Kaiteriteri Beach for more beach relaxation and consider taking a scenic cruise around the coastline.
Nature Walks
Take nature walks in places like the Boulder Bank, Cable Bay, & the Centre of New Zealand Walk for picturesque views.
Wine Tasting
Nelson is known for its vineyards. Go on a wine-tasting tour through the local wineries, such as Neudorf Vineyards or Waimea Estates.
Beach
Enjoy the sunny weather by visiting Tahunanui Beach, a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachfront activities.
Mountain Biking
If you're an adventure enthusiast, Nelson offers fantastic mountain biking trails. The Coppermine Track and Codgers Mountain Bike Park are great options.
Gardens and Parks
Spend time in local parks and gardens like Queens Gardens and Miyazu Japanese Garden for a peaceful escape.
Fishing and Water Sports
Enjoy fishing, sailing, or other water sports in the coastal areas around Nelson.
Try Local Seafood
Sample the delicious seafood at local restaurants and cafes, as Nelson is famous for its seafood.
Queenstown
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Queenstown Kawarau River and Jet Boat
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50-minute Glacier Explorer Flight (Mt. Aspiring National Park)
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Private Tandem Paraglide Aventure
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Zipline Adventure
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Lord of the Rings Scenic 4 hours Tour
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Rafting in Shotover River
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Guided E-Bike Wine Tour Ride to the Vines
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Wine Sampler Tour
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Visit Art Galleries
LOCAL THINGS TO KNOW
Restaurants
CASH, CARD
& GRATUITY
If you plan to use cash, adventurers pull out between $200-400 USD. You can exchange New Zealand dollar when you arrive. Most of the places in our trip take card and you can also use an ATM machine. International bank fees pay apply, depending on your bank and card.
When to spend cash
Adventurers like to spend cash on small purchases, snacks at convenient stores, souvenirs and gratuity. Most businesses accept cards.
Tipping Guidelines
In New Zealand, we do not tip. All local staff and providers we use are paid well in NZ dollars for this type of work. If you feel strongly that you connected with a particular staff member and want to tip, you can do this discreetly with cash on the last day. Please remember, there is no expectation of this at all. We feel lucky to be on a working holiday and are happy to share our beautiful country with you. This means you can simply enjoy the journey without feeling obligated to tip.
We thank you for helping us make this Runseek a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Cell Phone Service
We recommend you to get an international plan in the USA or you can get a SIM card in Airports usually have stores / stands.
THE CULTURE
the HAKA
‘Kia kōrero te katoa o te tinana
The whole body should speak
Today, the haka is widely recognized thanks to its use by New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks, who perform it before matches as a sign of respect and to challenge their opponents. This modern use has brought international attention to the haka, turning it into a symbol of pride and cultural identity for New Zealand. However, it remains an important part of Māori heritage, preserving traditions and storytelling through its powerful Expressions.
The haka is a traditional Māori performance from New Zealand, characterized by a combination of powerful movements, rhythmic chanting, and intense facial expressions. Originally, it was performed by warriors before battle as a display of strength, unity, and determination, aimed at intimidating opponents. Over time, the haka has evolved and is now performed in various contexts, including celebrations, ceremonies, and as a form of welcoming or honoring guests. The movements and chants of the haka are deeply rooted in Māori culture, symbolizing their connection to ancestry, community, and the natural world.
5 CURIOSITIES
ABOUT THE HAKA
Not Always a War Dance
While commonly associated with battle preparation, some haka are performed for celebrations, welcoming guests, or expressing collective joy or mourning.
Different Types of Haka
There are many different types of haka, appropriate for different occasions. Waiata, karanga (art of calling), pao (short impromptu topical songs) and whaikōrero (formal speech-making) are important features of haka.
Global Influence
The haka’s popularity has inspired performances worldwide, but proper protocol must be followed to respect it’s cultural significance.
Facial Expressions Matter
Intense expressions, such as bulging eyes and tongue protrusions, convey emotions like defiance or strength, often mimicking traditional gestures of challenge or respect.
Women Can Perform HakaContrary to popular belief, women can and do perform haka, especially in ceremonial or cultural contexts. According to tradition, the first kapa haka was led by a group of women gathered by Tinirau, the son of Tangaroa, as part of a clever plan to avenge his enemy
Learning
Te Reo MAori
New Zealand, or Aotearoa in Māori, is a country rich in cultural and linguistic diversity. Its unique blend of languages reflects the deep connections between its history, its people, and its evolving identity. The three official languages—English, Te Reo Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language—each contribute to the nation’s vibrant character and inclusivity.
Te reo Māori is the language of the Māori people of Aotearoa New Zealand. It is a Polynesian language, and part of the Austronesian language family. There are three major dialects – eastern North Island, western North Island and South Island Māori.
Te reo Māori was made an official language of New Zealand in 1987. In 2018, 20.6% of Māori and 4.0% of the total population could hold a conversation in te reo Māori.
Here’s some simple words and phrases that you can use during our visit
Kia ora – hi
Mōrena – good morning
Aroha – compassion / love
Tēnā koe – Greetings (to one person)
Tēnā koutou – Greetings (to a group)
Whānau – Family
Ka pai – Good / Well done
Ka pai – Good / Well done
Ngā mihi – Thanks (informal)
Hei konā – Goodbye (informal, like “see you”)
Koa – Please
Āe – Yes
Kāo – No
Kia pai tō rā – Have a good day
Kia pai tō pō – Have a good night
Ko ... tōku ingoa. – My name is ...
He aha tēnei? – What is this?
Tino pai – Very good / Excellent
He pai ki ahau – I like it
He rawe koe – You’re awesome
Numbers
Days of the week
ahi – One
Rua – Two
Toru – Three
Whā – Four
Rima – Five
Ono – Six
Whitu – Seven
Waru – Eight
Iwa – Nine
Tekau – Ten
Rāhina / Mane – Monday
Rātū / Tūrei – Tuesday
Rāapa / Wenerei – Wednesday
Rāpare / Taite – Thursday
Rāmere / Paraire – Friday
Rāhoroi – Saturday
Rātapu – Sunday
The Living
Heritage of
New Zealand
Māori culture is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s identity, offering a rich tapestry of traditions, art, and values that connect deeply with the natural world. From the haka to the sacred concept of whakapapa, discover how the Māori people preserve their heritage while shaping the cultural fabric of the nation.
A fundamental aspect of Māori culture is the concept of whakapapa, which emphasizes genealogical ties, connecting people to their ancestors, land, and spiritual beliefs. Māori society is structured around family and tribal units, or iwi and hapu, where family ties and ancestral lineage shape identity and community roles. Māori art, including carving (whakairo), weaving (raranga), and tattooing (ta moko), is not only an expression of beauty but also a way to preserve history, beliefs, and stories. The haka, a traditional dance involving chanting, movements, and gestures, is another renowned element of Māori culture, famously performed before international rugby games to convey strength and unity.
The Māori people are the indigenous Polynesian inhabitants of New Zealand, with a rich cultural heritage that dates back over a thousand years. Arriving in New Zealand by canoe from Polynesia, the Māori established unique traditions and societal structures deeply connected to the natural environment. Their language, Te Reo Māori, remains an integral part of New Zealand's identity and has seen a revival in recent decades, thanks to cultural preservation efforts and its inclusion as an official language. For the Māori, land, sea, and natural resources hold spiritual significance and are traditionally viewed as sacred entities, known as tapu.
The Waitangi Treaty, signed in 1840 between Māori chiefs and British representatives, remains central in addressing historical grievances and securing Māori rights. Visitors to New Zealand are often introduced to Māori culture through welcoming ceremonies, or powhiri, which include traditional songs, speeches, and the hongi, a unique greeting where people press noses to share breath. This respect for Māori traditions highlights New Zealand’s dedication to honoring its indigenous heritage while embracing cultural diversity.
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