The 6.5km is a stunning loop, perfect for family groups or people experiencing off-road events for the first time. The course will start and finish at the Chateau Tongariro. Enjoy the scenery and the adventure that includes some rock hopping, lava fields, desert, alpine trace and beech forest.
The 26km run/walk course begins approximately 6kms up the Tukino Road in the Rangipo Desert (entrance off the Desert Road, SH1) with a long hard climb straight up! Take in the fantastic views of the National Park and mountains as you head for the finish line at the Chateau Tongariro.
The 13km will start and finish at the Chateau Tongariro. There'll be some great views of the National Park while you encounter lava fields, alpine tracks, beech forests and do a bit of rock hopping. An achievable distance for most people or perfect for beginners wanting a challenge!
Upcoming total sport training events..
Increase confidence and performance in running and mountain biking at all levels.
For Group or Personal Coaching and Skills Sessions see total sport Team & Training.
"I learned more in one session than I have in 30 years of running ... Definitely a must-do!"
- Vicki
Click here for full details
Run or Walk
26 km (limited to 500 participants)
13 km (limited to 200 participants)
6.5 km (limited to 500 participants)
The following age group categories will be used for the event;
Under 20 years
20 - 39 years
40 - 49 years
50 - 59 years
60+ years
Walk
26 km - participant briefing 08.15am, start time 8.30am
13 km - participant briefing 08.45am, start time 9.00am
6.5 km - participant briefing 09.45am, start time 10.00am
Run
26 km - participant briefing 09.15am, start time 9.30am
13 km - participant briefing 09.15am, start time 9.30am
6.5 km - participant briefing 10.15am, start time 10.30am
6.5km Course
Starting up behind the Chateau you head out on your 6.5km loop course on the Upper Taranaki Falls Track. On your way out you will climb slightly for a km or two, while popping in and out of the scrub giving great views down the mountain. The turnaround point is the top of the Taranaki Falls, at this point you'll make a left onto the Lower Taranaki Falls Track. After a few steep steers (don't worry , they are of the down variety!) you'll pass close to the bottom of the Falls, and head into heavier bush tracks, and make your way to the finish line in front of the Chateau.
Course Elevation: 6.5km - 208m
13km Course
The 13km course starts out the same way as the 6.5km does. You head out on the Upper Taranaki Track enjoying some great views down the mountain. When you get to the end of the Upper Taranaki Falls Track continue straight onto the Waihohonu Track, this is effectively where the out and back section of your course starts, and what a section of track it is! You'll cross many small mountain streams as you make your way out to the turnaround point close to the stunning Tama Lakes. You'll then turn and head for home the same way, on the recently improved sections of track, they are a joy to run/walk. You'll then be directed right on to the Lower Taranaki Falls Track, where you'llll pass the amazing falls on your way back to the finish line at the Chateau.
Course Elevation: 13km - 428m
26km Course
The 26km Tussock Traverse starts approx. 6km up the Tukino Road in the Rangipo Dessert. Your day starts off with a gut busting 2km climb, but the view from the top (and the downhill on the other side) make it well worth it. From the top you'll head right, off the road, and north on to the round the mountain track. Once you've descended down the first hill you'll head through a series of dry river beds and valleys for a number of kilometres, until you reach the Waihohonu Hut (10km). From there you will start heading west on the Waihohonu Track. This track is sure to keep you on your toes as you adulate your way through the ever changing vegetation, and with Mt Ruapehu on your left, and Mt Ngauruhoe to your right, you really do feel alive! You'll then pass the impressive Tama Lakes as you make you way down to and passed the equally impressive Taranaki Falls, you then descend and head through some thicker bush (and some much needed shade) for the last couple of kilometres to the finish line.
Course Elevation: 26km - 689m
6.5km Map (351kb pdf)
6.5km Profile (6kb pdf)
13km Map (743kb pdf)
13km Profile (7kb pdf)
26km Map (520kb pdf)
26km Profile (158kb pdf)
Click here to download driving directions (158kb pdf)
This event may be postponed or cancelled in extreme weather conditions at the Event Manager's discretion. If this occurs there will be no refunds, but you will have the option to receive a credit for the following year's Tussock Traverse or transfer to another total sport event within 12 months.
Compulsory event gear for all distances WILL be checked prior to the start and/or during the event on the course. Depending of the weather conditions on the day total sport may reduce the equipment requirements if the weather is suitable.
A wind/rainproof jacket, thermal top and beanie, emergency blanket and fluid must be carried during the race. We recommend carrying a minimum of 2 litres of water as there is no safe water supply on the mountain and there will be no drink/aid station stops on the event course.
Compulsory event gear for all distances WILL be checked prior to the start and/or during the event on the course. Depending of the weather conditions on the day total sport may reduce the equipment requirements if the weather is suitable.
A wind/rainproof jacket, thermal top and beanie, and fluid must be carried during the race. We recommend carrying a minimum of 750ml of water.
Thermal long-johns, gloves and sun hat.
If the event is cancelled due to bad weather or for any other unforeseen reason the race will be held on Sunday 29 January 2012 subject to approval from the appropriate authorities to proceed. Race entry including transportation will automatically be transferred to the contingency day but unfortunately total sport can not take responsibility for extra accommodation or transport costs outside of the event.
Date: Friday 27th January, 2012
Time: From 4.00pm - 10.00pm
Location: The Park Travellers' Lodge, National Park Village
Supporters are welcome to purchase a bus ticket to the 26km race start, they'll then be able to catch a ride on the bus back to the Chateau Tongariro (finish line) at no cost.
It is NOT recommended that supporters drive to the 26km start line to drop off event participants. Although the road is classed as a 2WD road, if conditions are anything like last year you will not likely make it to the top! If you have any questions regarding this please contact Nick Carroll from total sport on nickc@totalsport.co.nz
The Park Travellers' Lodge, in National Park Village is the preferred accommodation supplier and official registration and awards ceremony venue for the Tussock Traverse, "The Park" offers a range of affordably priced accommodation options for competitors and supporters.
From $30 - $250 per night there are beds in stylish six share dormitory style rooms through to hotel rooms and self-contained apartments. The Park Travellers' Lodge also has the Spiral Bar, Cafe and a host of other amenities and services.
Pre event pasta buffet - $25 (price doesn't change) will be available on the Friday evening.
And a post-event gourmet BBQ dinner with dessert and a complimentary bottle of SPEIGHT's beer, glass of house wine or soft drink will take place after the event on the Saturday evening - $30 (price doesn't change) - bookings are essential!
*Children 12 years and under prices for pre/post event food as follows $15
pasta buffet or $20 post event BBQ
Note: due to ordering requirements for the Park online meal bookings close
Wed 25th January. There may be limited additional tickets available subject
to availability. Please book early.
The Park Travellers' Lodge, National Park Village
www.the-park.co.nz
Bookings:
Ph 0800 800 491 or email bookings@the-park.co.nz
The Chateau Tongariro, in Whakapapa Village, is also a preferred accommodation provider for the Tussock Traverse. Offering elegant, old world charm the Chateau also provides convenience with all events finishing on the lawn outside the hotel. The Chateau Tongariro is offering special accommodation rates for competitors and supporters on the Anniversary weekend.
Click here to go directly through to the booking page.
Getting to National Park
click here to download driving directions (158kb pdf)
Coming down (From Auckland) - National Park Village sits on the intersections of State Highways 4 and 47 in the Central Plateau. From Auckland follow SH1 south through Hamilton, Cambridge, Putaruru and Tokoroa through to Taupo and then Turangi. From there take SH47 through to National Park.
Coming up (From Wellington) - take SH1 through to Bulls, SH3 to Wanganui and then SH4 to National Park. (These are suggestions only, please consult a map for final directions.)
Getting to the start line
There will be a bus service available to entrants only, and this must be booked and paid for at the time of entry. This service will leave from both The Park Travellers' Lodge and the Chateau Tongariro to the race start, with a return service post-race from Chateau Tongariro back to The Park.
Please note that there is very limited vehicle access at the race start for people wishing to be dropped off and it is approximately 1 hour's drive from the race finish. We strongly advise all competitors to book the bus service to the race start and from the race finish.
A bus will be available to bring runners' gear bags back from the race start to the finish area.
Post race transfer buses from Chateau Tongariro to The Park will leave at:
12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.00pm, 2.30pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm
National Park to race start - $20 (price doesn't change and includes Sunday contingency)
Chateau Tongariro to National Park Village - $8 (price doesn't change and includes Sunday contingency)
Tussock Traverse - National Park casual cotton tee
Click here to download tshirt image pdf (74k pdf)
Visit the entry page to see how you can get your hands on one of these..
(New 2013 event cap image to be uploaded closer to event)
Prizegiving will take place at 6.00pm at The Park Travellers' Lodge where a BBQ dinner will be available for those of you who have pre-booked ($30.00) with The Park - worth doing after this event!
