Tussock Traverse 32km Run | Walk

Your 32km Tussock Traverse Experience

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.

Click below to view the 32km course map and elevation profile.

ENTRY FEE

Includes pre event transport from Iwikau Village to your start line (on Tukino Ski Access Road) and post event transport from your finish line (Chateau Tongariro) back up to Iwikau Village and a finisher medal!

Your Tussock Traverse Event Day Schedule

5.40am – 6.25am: late registration officially open inside the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre. The Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre can be found on the corner of SH48 and Tawera Place in the centre of Whakapapa Village.
6.30am: sunrise
6.40am**: final time to be parked up at Carpark 10 (see the parking and Transport Info below)
6.50am**: buses depart Carpark 10
7.55am: buses arrive in start area
8.15am: start
10.45am: first finisher expected
12.40pm: course cut-off to have left Waihohonu Hut
5.15pm: course cut-off at finish

**UPDATE 22/11/24: Due to the closure of the Desert Road the busses to the start line will have to leave earlier than the above scheduled times. We hope to provide an update with the revised depature time shortly. NOTE: You are unable to get to the start line unless you are on official Tussock Traverse bus transport.

Additional Information

Minimum Age
Entrants must be 16 years on event day unless an exemption (based on previous performances and proven experience) is granted by the race management team.  See the contact page for the best contact details.

Compulsory Gear Required
A wind/rainproof jacket, thermal top and thermal beanie, emergency bag (not blanket) and fluid must be carried during the race. We recommend carrying a minimum of 3L.

Please consider checking out our sponsors, Opus Fresh for your thermal tops and beanie!

Tracks Used
Start on Tukino Road, then turn right into the Round The Mountain Track.  Merge with the 21km entrants near the Waihohonu Hut.  With 3km to go follow the Lower Taranaki Falls Track to the finish.

Course Cut-Off Times
32km entrants not reaching the Waihohonu Hut (approximately 16.5km from the startline) prior to 12.40pm (4 hours 25 after race start) will be required to exit the event course at the Hut and walk out to the Desert Road with our course crew. The finish line is closed for 32km entrants at 5.15pm ( 9 hours after the start).

Parking and Transport Info Pre Event
All your bus transport needs are included in your event entry fee.
All bus transport to the start of the event is compulsory.
All bus transport departs from the one location at Carpark 10 (near the top of Bruce Road and the Whakapapa Skifield).  Carpark 10 is about a 7 minute drive up the Bruce Road from the Chateau Tongariro. Carpark 10 will be clearly marked. Traffic management and key event staff will be onsite assisting with your arrival and efficient loading onto the buses.  You can view the Carpark 10 map at pre race registration. Please arrive on time. You can’t get lost – continue to drive up Bruce Road until you reach Carpark 10.  You need to be at Carpark 10 pre 6.40am to enable smooth boarding.

Gear Check In / Collection Info
Any personal gear (that you don’t want to take on course with you) can be dropped into the Gear Bus at the start line.  Any personal gear dropped to the Gear Bus will be available for collection from approx 11.30am at the finish line.

Parking and Transport Info Post Event
Post event, a free shuttle will make regular trips from the Chateau Tongariro finish area, 7 minutes up the Bruce road to Carpark 10 for you to collect your vehicle. Shuttle operational from 11.45am – 5.15pm (last trip up).

Aid Stations
There are no aid stations on the course. This is a self-sufficient event, please bring your own hydration and sustenance to support your race plan.