City to Surf Tauranga takes runners from the city side of the harbour to Mount Maunganui beach, offering 21.1km, 11km, and 5km courses. The half marathon and 11km begin near the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club at Sulphur Point. The 5km starts on Mount Main Beach by the Mount Surf Club. All three distances conclude on the sand at Mount Main Beach, adjacent to the Surf Club.
The half marathon route encircles the Waikareao Estuary track, crosses the Harbour Bridge towards Mount Maunganui, and then loops the Mount Maunganui base track before the beach finish. The 11km also crosses the Harbour Bridge and incorporates the Astrolabe Corporate and Gym/Clubs teams race. The 5km utilizes the boardwalk and beach access paths, turning just past Leisure Island, and includes a lap of the Mauao base-track, ensuring the shortest race shares the same Mount-and-sand finish.