Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Taupō District, Waikato, New Zealand / Aotearoa

12.1 miles (19.5 km) · 2,794 ft elevation gain · Point to Point · trail · Route

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing route traverses 12.1 miles through Taupō District, Waikato, New Zealand / Aotearoa. Elevation gain totals 2,776 feet, with 4,039 feet of descent. The most significant ascent covers 2.5 miles and gains 1,695 feet. Vertical rate measures 231 feet of gain per mile. About 46% of the distance is runnable terrain. Terrain is predominantly trail. Technical difficulty: mountainous. This route ranks at the 91th percentile for difficulty among similar distances. The route draws trail runners and hikers interested in technical terrain in Waikato.

Route facts

Distance	12.1 mi (19.5 km)
Elevation gain	2,794 ft (852 m)
Average gain	230 ft per mile (44 m per km)
Longest climb	5.2 mi, 2,455 ft of gain
Steepest climb grade	35.7%
Runnable	47% of the route
Climbs / descents	1 climbs, 2 descents
Profile shape	Steady descent
Difficulty score	12.1 of 100
Surface	trail
Route shape	Point to Point
Type	Route

Grade breakdown

Grade band	Share of route
Flat	3%
Mild uphill	21%
Moderate uphill	8%
Steep uphill	17%
Mild downhill	7%
Moderate downhill	17%
Steep downhill	28%

Questions about Tongariro Alpine Crossing

How much elevation gain does Tongariro Alpine Crossing have?

Tongariro Alpine Crossing has 2,794 ft (852 m) of elevation gain over 12.1 miles (19.5 km). That averages 230 ft of gain per mile.

How difficult is Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

The difficulty score for Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 12.1 of 100. That is harder than 76.5% of routes at a similar distance. About 47% of the route is runnable at typical trail effort; the rest is steep enough that most runners hike.

What is the longest climb on Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

The longest climb on Tongariro Alpine Crossing runs 5.2 miles (8.3 km) and gains 2,455 ft (748 m). The steepest climb grade on the route is 35.7%.