Kea Series announces its 2026–27 trail-running calendar

The Kea Series has announced a 2026–27 calendar linking trail-running events around New Zealand. It opens with Toi’s Challenge in Whakatāne on 15 November and finishes in Nelson on 8–9 May.

How the series fits together

The 6 September announcement lists eight events and nine races, with a runner’s best three results counting towards the series. The calendar includes summer and autumn races rather than one continuous event.

That creates options for people who want a season-long goal, but each race still has its own entry, terrain and preparation requirements.

Choose a manageable season

Our suggestion is to start with the races that suit your experience and travel budget. Allow for the time between events as well as the days away. A convenient date doesn’t automatically make a course the right next step.

Read the individual race information before committing. Check entry status, compulsory equipment, transport and any qualification requirements directly with that organiser.

Make kit decisions race by race

A piece of gear that worked at one event may not meet another event’s rules. Compare your actual kit with each current list, and test how you carry it during training.

If you’re filling a gap second-hand, use our used-gear checklist to check condition and completeness. The official calendar below is the place to confirm the full set of dates.

Sources and current details

Upcoming event. Sources checked 26 September 2026. Announcement dated 2026-09-06.

• Official source

Updated 26 September 2026: shortened the wording for easier reading.