Tussock Traverse 12km & 6km Run | Walk

Your 12km and/or 6km Tussock Traverse Experience

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.

This is a great distance to do with family and friends! We’ve got a special rate for familes doing the 6km event together, PLUS we’ve just added a special deal for teams of 4 doing the 12km event together – Enter 4 friends and only pay for 3!

Click below to view the 12km course map and elevation profile.

Click below to view the 6km course map and elevation profile.

TUSSOCK TRAVERSE ENTRY FEES

Every entry fee includes a finisher medal when you finish your event! Click titles below to expand pricing information.

Your Tussock Traverse Event Day Schedule

6.30am: Sunrise
7.55am – 8.40am: 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.
8.50am: Briefing for all 12km and 6km entrants on the Chateau Lawn
9.00am: Start for all 12km and 6km RUNNERS (on the ramp of the Chateau Tongariro)
9.05am: Start for all 12km and 6km WALKERS (on the ramp of the Chateau Tongariro)
9.32am: First finisher expected 6km Event
10.10am: First finisher expected 12km Event
10.35am: Course cut-off for 12km entrants to start second lap
12.35pm: Course cut-off at finish line
5.30pm: Tussock Traverse (all event) prizegiving on the lawn outside the Chateau Tongariro.

Additional Information

Minimum Age
All potential entrants considering participation in any of the distance options must be confident of being physically fit enough to be able to complete the distance within an off-road terrain setting inside the event course cut-off times.

In order to enter and run/walk these events solo (without an entrant 16+ being required by the event to stay with you) entrants must be 11 years or older on event day.

If entrants are under 11 years and wish to enter the 12km/6km, entry is allowed providing these rules are followed:
1. The under 11 entrant is physically fit enough to be able to complete the distance within an off-road terrain setting inside the event course cut-off times under his/her own steam (push chairs/buggies are not suitable or allowed on the event course). We also want to see younger entrants really enjoying the outdoors at this event – not being dragged around for the adult’s enjoyment.
2. An entrant 16 years + remains with this younger entrant throughout the event and is responsible for them. While there are marshals and medical staff on the event course this event is set in an ever-changing outdoor environment where good decisions will need to be made by all entrants on the event course.

Should you have considered the points above and wish to enter an under 11-year-old into the event, your use of the Promo Code Under11 means that you will comply with the above two rules.

Compulsory Gear Required
A wind/rainproof jacket, thermal top, thermal beanie, emergency bag (not blanket) and fluid must be carried during the race. We recommend carrying a minimum of 1.5L.

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

Tracks Used
Turn left into Ngauruhoe place then complete one or two laps of the stunning 6km loop using both the Upper & the Lower Taranaki Falls Tracks in an anti-clockwise direction, before turning to finish in front of the Chateau Tongariro.

Course Cut-Off Times
12km entrants not reaching the split point where the second lap starts (approximately 6km from the startline) by 10.35am will be required to turn right at the split point and finish the event at the completion of lap one.

Parking and Transport Info
There is no bus transport available, or needed for your event options.
Parking Notes: Due to the large size of this event, and the popular nature of Whakapapa Village during the summer months we highly recommend carpooling to this event. As there are time limits on most parking in and around the Whakapapa Village which need to be respected for the benefit of all park users, the event has organised a limited amount of special event parking outside of these time restricted areas for event day only. As you drive up the Bruce Road towards the Chateau Tongariro on event day please drive slowly and follow all relevant special event parking signage, and directions from our event crew and traffic management specialists. The special event parking areas will be on both sides of Bruce Road beneath the Tussock Tavern until that section is full.

Gear Check In / Collection Info:
Any personal gear (that you don’t want to take on course with you) can be dropped with our registration crew on Saturday, prior to your event.  Your gear will be available for collection anytime after your event.

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.