Saturday 3 April 2027
Flight of the Kōkako Trail Run
Te Ranga, Te Ranga, Te Puke
- Walkers welcome
- No dogs
The 5 km can be walked. Under 16s need a parent's or guardian's consent.
The race
About this course
This off-road running event takes participants through the picturesque Te Ranga district, following a route that winds through native forest, creek beds, and scenic farmland, much of which is typically not open to the public. The course specifically traces the habitat of the Kōkako, adding a unique ecological element to the experience.
With multiple distance options available, the event caters to a wide range of participants, from casual runners to those seeking a more challenging experience.
A notable aspect of this event is its commitment to environmental conservation. Profits generated will support the enhancement and expansion of the trapping network and the planting of native trees within the catchment area. Each participant will have a native tree planted in their honour, contributing to the establishment of a wildlife corridor connecting two Kōkako populations in Kaharoa and Otanewainuku.
This race not only promotes physical activity but also fosters community involvement in conservation efforts, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and environmental stewardship.
Pick your race
Distances
On the day
Race-day schedule
- 7:00–8:30 amRegistration and check-in at Te Ranga Hall. Bring your water and a small first aid kit
- 7:00–8:30 amTe Puke Physio at registration for pre-race strapping
- 8:50 amRace briefing, all distances
- 9:00 amAll distances start
- 12:30 pmPrizegiving
Your entry
What's included
Finisher medal
Food at the finish
Spot prizes
A native tree planted in your name
Course medics and marshals with first aid
What to expect
Race day conditions
Terrain and altitude come from the course. Weather is a ten-year average for this date, not a forecast.
Weather data by Open-Meteo(opens in a new tab).
Getting there
Event location
1492 Te Matai Road, Te Ranga 3188, New ZealandGet directions(opens in a new tab)
- Race HQ
- Te Ranga Hall, 1492 Te Matai Road, Te Puke 3188
- Toilets, bag drop and showers
- Toilets at Te Ranga Hall and the school.
Before you start
Rules and gear
Compulsory gear
- Hydration pack with at least 1 litre of water (21 km and 16 km)
- At least 500 ml of water (10 km and 5 km)
- Snacks for the run
- Basic first aid kit
- Mobile phone
Recommended gear
- Waterproof, seam-sealed jacket
Race rules
- Strictly no dogs
- Under 16s can enter with a parent's or guardian's consent
- No entries on the day: online entries close Monday 29 March at 5 pm
- No cups at aid stations. Carry a bottle or bladder to refill at about 4.5 km; there is no water on the 5 km course
- Follow the signs for your distance. Never climb or cross a fence; if you are, you're off course
- The course is on private land: stay on the route and out of all buildings
- If you withdraw, tell a marshal and wait for instructions
- Cross the finish line and report your number to officials; it's the safety check
- Keep headphones low so you can hear runners wanting to pass
- Pass on the right and let the runner ahead know
- Leave no trace: carry out every wrapper and banana peel
Good to know
Race policies
- Refunds
- No refunds if the event is cancelled for reasons outside the organiser's control, such as extreme weather. The race is run by volunteers as a fundraiser for the Paraiti Catchment Care Group, and the costs of putting it on can't be recovered if it's cancelled.
- Prizes
- Prizegiving at 12:30 pm. First, second and third, men and women, in each distance. Every finisher gets a medal.
Before you enter
Questions
When do entries close?
Online entries close Monday 29 March 2027 at 5pm. There are no entries after that or on the day.
How much does it cost?
21 km $100 · 16 km $80 · 10 km $65 · 5 km walk or run $50.
Is there a minimum age?
16 for every distance. Under-16s can enter with a parent or guardian's consent.
Are there cut-off times?
16 km and 21 km runners must reach about the 4 km mark within the first hour, and 21 km runners the 16 km mark within 3 hours, or they
What must I carry?
A hydration pack with at least 1 litre for the 16 km and 21 km, or 500 ml for the 10 km and 5 km, plus some food, a basic first aid kit and a
Is there water on the course?
There are no cups. You can refill at about 4.5 km. There is no water on the 5 km course.
What is the course like?
Rolling to steep, with single track, mud, sand, gravel road, grass, rock hopping and ladders, and plenty of hills. It is all on private
Can I bring my dog?
No. Strictly no dogs.
What if the event is cancelled?
There are no refunds if the event is cancelled for reasons outside the organisers' control, such as extreme weather. The race is
Can I wear headphones?
Yes, but keep the volume low so you can hear others wanting to pass. Pass on the right.
Where does my entry fee go?
All profits fund the Paraiti Catchment Care Group's trapping network and native planting, building a kōkako corridor between Kaharoa
Who runs it
Paraiti Catchment Care Group
A volunteer-led catchment group restoring kōkako habitat in the Te Ranga district through predator trapping and native planting. The race is run by its members and volunteers as a fundraiser.
Made possible by
Sponsors
- Te Puke PhysioPre-race strapping at registration
Give back
Get involved
Kōkako corridor in the Paraiti catchment
Flight of the Kōkako is run by volunteers as a fundraiser for the Paraiti Catchment Care Group. All profits go to expanding the trapping network and planting natives across the catchment to establish a kōkako corridor.
From runners
What runners wish they’d known
Event details and map location come from public information on the official event website(opens in a new tab). If a listing looks out of date, or you need exact start lines and course maps, check the official source or email [email protected].
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Questions about this race?
Ask the NZ Running community about the course, parking, and what race day is like at Flight of the Kōkako Trail Run.