Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa has provided a sanctuary for participants to rejuvenate after their impressive efforts in this years’ ‘Run The Forest’ event by Nduro Events.

With over 3,000 participants, 91% of whom came from outside Rotorua, this year’s Run The Forest broke records and highlighted the incredible spirit of the wellness community.

As a major sponsor of Run The Forest, we loved seeing so many people, including our own Ngāti Whakaue whānau, getting involved and taking the time for their hauora (wellbeing).

Nduro Events Director Helene Nicholson said, “Last year we sold out, so this year we added in more capacity and we’ve sold out again. The high entry numbers are proof the event – and, by extension, Rotorua – has well and truly bounced back from COVID. There’s so much vibrancy in our city and this run really celebrates how unique it is”.

Run The Forest is not about competition: the focus is on the fun and the social aspects of a run event—breaking the mould on what running events look like not just in Rotorua, but across Aotearoa. 

For Wai Ariki, supporting this event was a great way to showcase Rotorua’s premium luxury, recovery and wellness options. After concluding their run, participants were welcomed to the award-winning venue to soak their aching legs and sore feet in the soothing hot pools and saunas. Our skilled team in the spa used practices learned from our tūpuna (ancestors) who walked this whenua (land) long before our award-winning venue was conceived.

Ngā mihi nui to all the runners, walkers, volunteers and organisers who put on such an amazing event.

Watch how the Run The Forest 2024 event unfolded here.