Ketetahi to Turoa, Manawatu - Wanganui, New Zealand - Trail Running Directory

Everything the Tongariro National Park has to offer - in one hit

Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Northern Circuit, Round the Mountain Track

Limited free views VIP is unlimited

Last Updated: 17th Sep 2026

Experienced

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Suggest edit Edit

Open

Grunt Factor: 99 ?

Gnarl Factor: 49 ?

55.5km

Length of run

3425m

Total Ascent

2965m

Total Descent

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

Become a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.

Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Point to Point (one way)

Mountainous

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Volcanic

Run Makeup

30%

35%

30%

Gravel / Boardwalk

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +13.30%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.50%

Garmin Course

VIP Feature: Send this route to your Garmin account so you can follow the course on your Garmin device.

Send to Garmin

Learn about sending to Garmin.

Trailhead

Become a VIP Member to see the trailhead information.

Estimated Times to Run

Not suitable

Slow

10:00

Moderate

8:00

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Traverse the entire length of Tongariro National Park in one hit - can be done either way, but north to south is potentially easier and more hut options towards the end if your day pushes out longer than intended.

Start on SHW46 at the start of Ketetahi Road, this will give you a 1km warm up before you start on the tail end of the Tongariro Crossing.

Following this route is best broken up into sections:

Tongariro Crossing Trailhead to Emerald Lakes - 11km, steady climb (>1000m), good trail.

Emerald Lakes to Oturere Hut - Turn off at the lakes, onto the Northern Circuit trail. Short, niggly descent then stunning running to the hut. 4km.

Oturere Hut to Waihohonu Hut - fun rolling 8.35km. Some fast sections, nice bush section.

Waihohonu Hut to Tukino access Road - 8km of rolling, mixed terrain. Fun section.

Tukino access Road to Rangipo Hut - 5.1km of mixed terrain, exposed

Rangipo Hut to Mangaehuehu Hut - 10.25 soul destroying km's at this point of the journey. Mostly exposed, some big valleys to descend and climb.

Mangaehuehu Hut to Waitonga Falls Carpark - 6.85km. Well used trail with boardwalks, mud, streams, waterfalls, swingbridges, native forest.

This trail includes Waihohonu Hut, Oturere Hut, Mangaehuehu Hut, Rangipo Hut, Waihohonu Campsite and Oturere Campsite.

You are moving past 3 volcanos and their respective terrain which is all amazing. Alpine lakes, hard climbs and descents, fast flowing sandy sections, native bush, endless views

DOC toilets scattered along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing section, then at the huts along the track.

Transport and parking:

Paid parking lot during summer season or park on side of road at your own risk. As you will likely not be doing an out and back, best to get dropped off. Because this is the end of the crossing, shuttles may not work in your favour. Review your parking options on the Tongariro Crossing website as there are seasonal restrictions.

Distance from Turangi:

4 km

Driving time from Turangi:

4 minutes

Dog friendly:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

Download the GPX incase the weather comes in, otherwise it is generally well marked with the normal DOC markers. Note, a lot of these are often on the ground due to be wind blown so keep your eyes peeled.

Cellphone Coverage:

Patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters

Availability of Water:

Start with enough to get you to Oturere hut. From here there is water at Oturere or Waihohonu hut.
Just past Waihohonu hut is a crystal clear spring fed stream. There are a few good fill points prior to Tukino access road which you will want to make use of as there is limited safe filling spots for the next 15 or so km's, which is slow going.

Seasonality Issues:

Late spring onwards due to snow/ice at the top of the crossing.
Be very vigilant of weather and ensure a good forecast for the entire area for a minimum of 24 hours.

Hazards:

As expected for a run in this area. Don't underestimate the rugged and exposed environment you are in.

Use your judgement:

The information provided is a guide only. Conditions, access and hazards can change, so use your own judgement and check current local information before heading out. Make sure the route or location is suitable for your experience, fitness and equipment, and check any access restrictions or permissions that may apply.

Your Recommendation

Do you have a suggestion on where to go afterwards for the best coffee / cake / breakfast / brunch / beer?

Submit

Trail Legend

Alex Gilbert

has completed Ketetahi to Turoa once in the last year.

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Learn about Fastest Known Times.

View your Fastest Known Times

Missing your time?

You and Ketetahi to Turoa

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

Become a Member

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

Be the first to submit a review for Ketetahi to Turoa!

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.