The Whakatāne Bush Half Marathon follows bush tracks between Whakatāne and Ōhope, set within what's described as "nature's wonderland." It offers the atmosphere of a local club trail event, differing from a formal road race, and includes both run and walk categories over the same natural terrain.
The course presents varied surfaces: bush track, a winding gravel path, and finally a smooth sealed road for a more stable pace. The main attraction is the route itself, which winds through "picturesque landscapes." The event concludes with the distinct feeling of accomplishment from a trail run, having earned the scenery rather than simply completing a race.