Tongariro Northern Circuit

Taupō District, Waikato, New Zealand / Aotearoa

27.6 miles (44.4 km) · 5,284 ft elevation gain · Loop · trail · Route

Tongariro Northern Circuit is a 27.6-mile loop route in Taupō District, Waikato, New Zealand / Aotearoa, gaining 5,299 feet of elevation. The route follows a up-and-over elevation profile. The terrain breaks into 8 distinct sections including 2 significant climbs. The longest climb covers 6.0 miles gaining 2,703 feet at an average 8.3% grade. About 67% of the terrain is runnable, with significant hiking sections. The route opens with mixed terrain and finishes with a descent.

Route facts

Distance	27.6 mi (44.4 km)
Elevation gain	5,284 ft (1,611 m)
Average gain	192 ft per mile (36 m per km)
Longest climb	7.8 mi, 2,464 ft of gain
Steepest climb grade	37.6%
Runnable	68% of the route
Climbs / descents	2 climbs, 4 descents
Profile shape	Up, then down
Difficulty score	10.9 of 100
Surface	trail
Route shape	Loop
Type	Route

Grade breakdown

Grade band	Share of route
Flat	14%
Mild uphill	23%
Moderate uphill	8%
Steep uphill	13%
Mild downhill	20%
Moderate downhill	10%
Steep downhill	12%

Questions about Tongariro Northern Circuit

How much elevation gain does Tongariro Northern Circuit have?

Tongariro Northern Circuit has 5,284 ft (1,611 m) of elevation gain over 27.6 miles (44.4 km). That averages 192 ft of gain per mile.

How difficult is Tongariro Northern Circuit?

The difficulty score for Tongariro Northern Circuit is 10.9 of 100. That is harder than 72.9% of routes at a similar distance. About 68% 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 Northern Circuit?

The longest climb on Tongariro Northern Circuit runs 7.8 miles (12.5 km) and gains 2,464 ft (751 m). The steepest climb grade on the route is 37.6%.