The annual event was created in 2019 by the Fiordland Trails Trust to raise funds to expand the trail network and help maintain the existing Lake2Lake trail. The community-focused event also features a 10km option for those keen on a shorter saunter. A new 2km Kids fun run is kicking off this year!
The course offers riverside and lakeside running, trails through native bush and small sections of road and 4WD tracks – there are also some undulating sections, with a maximum elevation of 240m.
Any queries can be directed to events@teanauevents.co.nz
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Next event date: 2nd August 2025 – Entries Open Now!!!
Held in August, it’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the bracing freshness of a Fiordland winter’s day, when crisp clear days are the norm.
With mighty Mt Titiroa behind you and the World Heritage Fiordland National Park to your left, the scenery will enthral even the seasoned runner or walker.
Running or walking under the snow-capped mountains, you’ll snake your way through sections of beech forest and alongside the crystal clear Waiau River before finishing up at picture perfect, lakefront Te Anau.
10:00am start at the location of the original Manapouri Hydro Construction Village at Kepler Farm, you cross the Te Anau-Manapouri Highway and drop into Balloon Loop where you join the Fiordland Trails Trust’s Lake2Lake Trail and head on past Rainbow Reach, Horseshoe Bend and onto Queens Reach.
A relaxed and enjoyable vibe flows through the field as you draw inspiration from the breath-taking scenery.
You then follow the Upper Waiau River before reaching the Lake Te Anau control gates – from here you make your way around the stunning lakefront trail. There’s plenty to take in as you pass Tui Bay and the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary (try to spot a takahe or a kākā) before heading along to finish at Steamers Beach on the Lakefront.
Five water stations and six toilet stops can be found along the way. Tailwind will be on course as our event nutrition at water stations along with fruit and lollies
Click here for course map
Click here for course elevation
Anyone participating in the Meridian Hydro Half Marathon must be at least 16-years-old on race day and attend the race briefing at 9.45am at start line.
Refunds
Entry Transfer
Cancellation policy
A list of participants will be updated here
Important Dates
Bibs
Safety pins will be provided for the bibs. Do not give your bib to anyone else. Any issues with bibs please see the team at registration desk
Athletes have two options to collect their bibs in town
Start line
Race Starts 10am Must attend safety briefing at 9.50am
Once at the start line please follow the directions of the Race Director.
There will be a drop trailer available to leave personal items/coats – please provide your own bag and ideally label it with your name. These will be transported to the finish line to collect there. No valuables please.
This is a zero waste (cup free) event so we ask you bring your own water, or container. Suitable SpeedCups or collapsible cups are available from most sport shops in New Zealand.
Walkers
You are welcome to walk this event, please ensure you start at the back of the start line. No prams are allowed
There is a cutoff time of 12pm at Queens Reach (halfway point)
Food
Competitors will have a choice of recovery foods to choose from and receive a BBQ token once they cross the finish line to get a pattie from our event BBQ (there will also be Vegan/GF options available)
Spectators & competitors will also have the chance to buy coffee, and BBQ food at the finish line.
Event photos
Photos4sale, NZ and Australia’s premier trail running photography provider, will be at this year’s Meridian Hydro Half Marathon and Mitre 10 Te Anau 10km capturing action shots of all the participants. Photos4sale offers a unique ‘Pay What You Want’ service, where you get to choose what your race photos are worth to you!
Socials
Facebook and insta – We absolutely love seeing your photos! Please feel free to tag us in them! We will be using #hydrohalf and #fiordlandtrails We will have a range of photo boards around at the start and finish line. We will also have some finishers photo boards down at the lakefront to capture some after photos with your medals.
Transport from the check in to the start at Kepler Farm is available at $20pp Book your transport via the registration link.
For those that have booked the bus transport, bus stickers will be pre placed on your bib, If not please make your way on Saturday to the start line at Kepler Farms 9.45am safety briefing. Signage will be out.
Bus Departure
Bus Departure times will be advised at your registration, leaving from Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday park & Motels (early bus to leave approx 9.15am)
We highly suggest you take our bus transport option.
Parking
You can also choose to find your own way to Kepler Farm. There will be parking for spectators and athletes here although we request all vehicles are removed before 5pm on race day as this is a private farm and the gates will be locked at 5pm.
Parking at the finish line can be found around the DOC visitor Centre, Ivon Wilson Parking area and along the roadside.
No dogs allowed on Kepler Farm (not even left in vehicles)
Although you can watch the athletes at the start at Kepler Farm, there will be a short delay exiting the car park as the athletes need to leave the area before the cars are allowed to depart along the road.
The best opportunity is at the 6km point at Rainbow Reach where there is adequate parking. There is also parking at the Kepler Track carpark.
Although there is some parking at Queens Reach, there is likely to be a wait to exit this area so it is not advised to view here by car.
Spectators & competitors will also have the chance to buy coffee, and BBQ food at the finish line.
The 2025 Meridian Hydro Half Marathon is featuring the latest in real-time race tracking by providing Live Results via our partner SportSplits (MSA) – tracker.
Features Include:
Live Web Tracker – See times and current pace within seconds of a participant crossing each split point. Estimated times will be provided based on current pace.
Live Leaderboard – See who is winning via the Live Leaderboard. Top runners in each category will be displayed in real-time as they lead the way through the course.
Live Map Tracking – Participant locations will be plotted on the Interactive Course Map as progress is made on course. The position of each participant is estimated based on the most recent timing received from the bib read. NOTE: Participants do not need to carry their phones for this feature to work.
Text2Follow – Follow participants in real-time via text notifications to your mobile phone.
Mobile App – Features include Live Participant Tracking, Push Notifications, Leaderboards, Map Tracking, Event Messages, Event Info and more!
PLEASE NOTE: Times posted during the event are Unofficial. Official results are posted upon completion of the event.
GWD 2km Kids Fun Run – Kids 12 and under can enjoy a quick run around the lakefront, family and friends are welcome to join in. All kids entered get a GWD medal and BBQ sausage
A medal will be awarded to every athlete to cross the finish line. But don’t forget prizegiving will be at the Meridian Marquee, at the finish line, 2pm.
1st Male $375 & 1st Female $375 & 1st Non Binary $375
2nd Male $250 & 2nd Female $250 & 1st Non Binary $250
3rd Male $125 & 3rd Female $125 & 1st Non Binary $125
*We understand that gender identity can be a private concept for some. If you choose to participate in the gender-diverse category and succeed in placing in 1st, 2nd or 3rd, the following options are available to you:
a. Receive your award on the podium as per the winners from other categories.
b. Have your award sent to you privately
We have some very generous supporters of the event who normally donate a large number of spot prizes.
There will be a pre drawn list of spot prizes, it is up to the competitors to check at the Meridian Tent if their bib number has won a prize . There will also be spot prizes drawn at prize giving randomly.
Post-race images will be available to view from a link on this website.
Click here to view the 2023 event video
Click here to view the 2021 event video
Click here to view the 2020 event video
Click here to view the 2019 event video
Well done to all participants!
Click here to view 2024 event results
Click here to view 2023 event results
Click here to view 2022 event results
Click here to view 2021 event results
Click here to view 2020 event results
Click here to view 2019 event results
