Tussock Traverse

Tussock Traverse 2026 – Entry Fees

Entries open Wednesday 23 April 2025 at 7:00 PM

Early-bird Tussock Teaser pricing is available from Wednesday 23 April to Wednesday 4 June 2025. Entry fees will increase as the event approaches. For full pricing details, please visit the individual event distance pages.

Tussock Traverse 2026 – Early Entry Pricing

• 32km Run / Walk – from $209
  (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 – from $189
  (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 – from $89

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) – from $49

6km Run / Walk (Family) – from $159

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.)

Please note:
Entries for the 21km and 32km distances close on 23 March 2026.
A limited number of 6km and 12km entries may be available at race registration on a first come, first served basis.

Event information