Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Suggest edit Edit

Eastern Tongariro

Waiouru, Manawatu - Wanganui

Submitted by Anna Brooke

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Suggest edit Edit

Open

Grunt Factor: 30 ?

Gnarl Factor: 27 ?

25.0km

Length of run

650m

Total Ascent

610m

Total Descent

1420m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

Share your photos

Send to phone

View other trails

Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Combo

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Open ridges/tops

Volcanic

Run Makeup

30%

25%

35%

10%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +4.8%

Average Downhill Gradient: -4.5%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

5:00

Slow

3:45

Moderate

2:30

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Start out on a volcanic sandy undulating trail which is the theme of the run. Epic views of Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu will keep you going strong as you gradually ascend towards the hut. Through pockets of native bush and open alpine shrubbery you'll get a good taste of the Tongariro National Park. Once you turn the bend there are a few sandier and hillier patches to keep you pushing. You must stop at the ground freshwater spring to rehydrate! The final stretch takes you slowly down the Tukino skifield track, it's easy to run and soft underfoot but a bit of a grind to the finish line! NB the gpx file goes a little off trail (just for fun along the tops!)

Volcanic meets native bush meets alpine shrubs!

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Transport and parking:

Best to drive. There is a carpark about 100m off the road. To close the loop you can hide a bike in the bushes near the end and ride the 9km back up the highway! If you have 2 cars, drop a car at the end and drive to the start.

Distance from Waiouru:

30 km

Driving time from Waiouru:

25 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Navigation Tips:

Make sure you swing a left (south) down the round the mountain track and don't head over to Whakapapa!

Cellphone Coverage:

Very patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

The groundwater stream is excellent. The hut has water but they recommend boiling it. There are a few other streams (Waihohonu) which are a little off track at times but there if you need it.

Seasonality Issues:

May be under snow in winter! Alpine conditions so check the weather before you go. A little muddy after snowmelt or lots of rain. Quite exposed terrain so you'll feel the wind.

Cafe express Waiouru
Waiouru
http://cafe-express-waiouru.edan.io/
Pizza, get the pizza and your body will thank you

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Learn about Fastest Known Times.

View your Fastest Known Times

Missing your time?

You and Eastern Tongariro

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

Be the first to submit a review for Eastern Tongariro!

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.