Trails that have never before been open to the public, quirky treats and a walk through the footsteps of history are on the cards for those running or walking tomorrow's Tarawera Trail Marathon.
Race director Paul Charteris said 204 people had signed up for the inaugural event, which offers runners and walkers the traditional 42.2km marathon distance or a 50km option.
Participants will begin the trail at the Pohutu Geyser in Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley at Te Puia and finish at Lake Tarawera's Hot Water Beach, he said.
Trail highlights include Devonshire scones and tea at the Buried Village, a soak at Hot Water Beach, and hangi at Te Puia. Participants will travel by boat from Hot Water Beach and by bus to Te Puia.
Mr Charteris said the runners and walkers will be very lucky to travel through areas which are visually stunning and have a rich history; runners will be following the route the Tuhourangi people travelled to settle Te Whakarewarewa Valley following Mt Tarawera's explosion.