Volcanic views spur runners and walkers on Tussock Traverse

The Tussock Traverse in the Tongariro National Park gives runners and walkers a world heritage experience.

Kerry Suter offsets his sedentary IT professional lifestyle with as much running as the day allows.

The 37-year-old from Cambridge is preparing for the Tarawera Ultra Marathon next year by competing in the Tussock Traverse in the Tongariro National Park on Saturday, January 24.

The former champion says it is one of his running calendar highlights.

"The Tussock Traverse is easily one of my favourite runs taking in some of the country's finest scenery on an easy rolling trail that meanders between two iconic active volcanoes," he said.

Suter, who has run every Tarawera Ultra since the event's inception, and is the athletes' liaison for the event, said the Tussock trails are runnable and accessible for all ages and abilities.

"The distance is just enough to test you without being too taxing. The timing, too, is perfect, being one of the first real trail runs in the new year and being a fortnight before the Tarawera Ultra Marathon it's an ideal last hit-out for many of us run-junkies."

Suter said athletes who had not run in the Tongariro National Park were in for a treat.

"It offers unparalleled views in an ever-changing landscape. It's little wonder why I've attended this event more than any other. New Zealand's best trail run? You'd have a hard time arguing otherwise."

Staged in a more undulating, lunar-like landscape than the Goat Tongariro event, the Tussock Traverse alpine run and walk offers the choice of three distances.

For the most adventurous there is the 26km run and walk from Tukino to Whakapapa but also a 13km out and back from Whakapapa to Tama Lakes and a 6.5km around the Taranaki Falls track.

All events finish on the village green of the Chateau Tongariro Hotel.

The Tussock Traverse raises money for Project Tongariro, a voluntary organisation whose members devote large amounts of time and passion to preserving and sharing the Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage Area. in 2015, the event managers Victory Events are introducing a number of new initiatives to enhance the participants' experience.

Runners will be informed of the Maori and cultural history in special presentations before the event and with interpretation panels on the course.

They will also take a step backin time with vintage theming, food and beverages at the finishing area.

Every participant will be presented with a tussock plant at the event with an opportunity to plant their own tussock the morning after the event in the Happy Valley ski area at Whakapapa.

Tussock Traverse
When: Saturday, January 24, 2015
Where: Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage Area

Run and walk options:
&Bull;26km from Tukino to Whakapapa
&Bull;13km out and back from Whakapapa to Tama Lakes
&Bull;6.5km around the Taranaki Falls track
For more information: www.tussocktraverse.co.nz