Tussock Traverse 2026
Saturday 28 March 2026 – Tongariro National Park
Held in the spectacular Tongariro National Park, the Tussock Traverse is one of New Zealand’s most iconic trail running events. Offering four distances to suit a range of fitness and experience levels, this is a must-do for trail runners and walkers alike.
Distances available:
• 32km
• 21km
• 12km
• 6km
Traverse ancient lava fields, sweeping alpine meadows, and native beech forest in a dramatic volcanic landscape within a UNESCO Dual World Heritage site. Whether you're here to race or to enjoy the scenery, this is a journey you won’t forget.
32km Run / Walk
(Includes transport to the start line)
You begin near the beginning of Tukino Access Road. On your
journey you’ll see true desert landscape features, wind sculptured sands and
volcanic rock to Waihohonu stream. The Waihohonu Hut is the only hut on
this section. Highlights include passing between Mount Ruapehu on your
left and Mount Ngāuruhoe and Tongariro on your right. You’ll climb to the
Tama Saddle before descending homeward on well formed tracks. The final 10km or
so are a gentle downhill past the impressive Taranaki Falls and onto the finish
line. Overall, the track surface is excellent and the elevation is quite gentle
21km Run / Walk
(Includes transport to the start line)
The first 5.5km is a wonderful mix of some sandy and some
hard packed 4WD trail with small sections of boardwalk, beech forests and a
bridged stream crossing. After passing the Hut, highlights include
passing between Mount Ruapehu on your left and Mount Ngāuruhoe and Tongariro on
your right. You’ll climb to the Tama Saddle before descending homeward on
well formed tracks. The final 10km or so are a gentle downhill past the
impressive Taranaki Falls and onto the finish line. Overall, the track surface
is excellent and the elevation is quite gentle and would make a stunning choice
for your first off road Half Marathon.
12km Run / Walk
This fantastic loop featuring the Taranaki Falls is
recommended for families and those new to the excitement of off-road
adventures. This course gives you the challenge of navigating undulating
terrain while remaining an achievable distance to bring you through to a strong
finish at the Chateau Tongariro. The 12km course complete 2x laps of the Upper
and Lower Taranaki Falls Loop.
6km Run / Walk (Individual)
6km Run / Walk (Family)
This fantastic loop featuring the Taranaki Falls is
recommended for families and those new to the excitement of off-road
adventures. This course gives you the challenge of navigating undulating
terrain while remaining an achievable distance to bring you through to a strong
finish at the Chateau Tongariro. The 12km course complete 2x laps of the Upper
and Lower Taranaki Falls Loop.
(Valid for either 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and
3 children. Children must be under 16 years of age on event day.)
Event Schedule
Friday 27 March 2026 – Registration Day
2:00pm to 8:00pm
Compulsory pre-event registration open inside the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre, located at the corner of SH48 and Tawera Place, Whakapapa Village.
Saturday 28 March 2026 – Event Day
5:40am to 6:25am
Final opportunity for pre-race registration (all distances) at the Visitor Centre.
6:30am
Sunrise over Tongariro National Park.
Event Start Times
8:15am – 32km Run/Walk start – Tukino Access Road
9:00am – 21km Run/Walk Wave A start – Waihohonu
9:00am – 12km and 6km Runners start – outside Chateau Tongariro
9:05am – 12km and 6km Walkers start – outside Chateau Tongariro
9:45am – 21km Run/Walk Wave B start – Waihohonu
Estimated First Finishers
9:32am – 6km
10:10am – 12km
10:37am – 21km
10:45am – 32km
Course Cut-Off Times
12:35pm – 6km and 12km events
3:45pm – 21km event
5:15pm – 32km event
5:30pm – Prizegiving for all events outside the Chateau Tongariro (finish line for all distances)
Compulsory Pre-Event Registration
All entrants must complete registration in person at the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre.
Registration Process
Compulsory gear check – including clean, dry trail shoes. Once approved, you’ll receive a pink wristband.
ID check – must match the registration details held in our system. Once verified, you’ll be issued your race number and timing transponder.
Important Rules
• You cannot collect race numbers or wristbands on behalf of someone else.
• Race numbers and wristbands are non-transferable once collected.
Please check the official event website for updates or any category-specific requirements closer to race day.
Event information
