Scones, jam and cream with a cuppa will be served at the Buried Village for runners and walkers taking part in this Saturday's Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km race.
Part of a tradition dating back in the late 1800s, tourists used to visit Te Wairoa village on the way to see the Pink and White Terraces on Lake Rotomahana and have Devonshire tea.
Marathon organiser Paul Charteris said the race would follow in the pioneering tourists' footsteps.
"It's all very decadent - we certainly cannot find another marathon event in the world offering runners such delicious treats during a race."
The Devonshire tea will be served at the Buried Village checkpoint. General manager of Buried Village Pam McGrath said runners would pass several of the excavated sites.