42 Traverse
Located in Tongariro Forest Conservation Area in the Central North Island region
|
Introduction
The 42 Traverse is a 46 km multi-use track through the Tongariro Forest Conservation Area. It is one of the best challenging mountain biking tracks in the North Island.46 km one way
Other activities
- Four wheel driving
- Horse riding
Seasonal restrictions
4WD vehicles are not permitted from 1 May – 30 November.
The T42 mountain biking, running and walking event is held annually in early May.
Dog access
The 42 Traverse is a two-way 46 km multi-use track through the Tongariro Forest Conservation Area.
It presents challenging terrain through fantastic native forest and the awesome Canyon valley, with superb views back to the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park.
The route, an old logging road that gets its name from the original 'State Forest 42', is popular for a range of outdoor recreation activities: mountain biking, quad and trail biking, four wheel driving (summer only), horse riding, fishing, hunting and hiking.
Track reroute around large slip
The 42 Traverse has a bypass track around a large slip for walkers and cyclists. Cyclists should dismount their bikes for the bypass section as it is steep and slippery.
Signs have been installed at all major intersections. The bypass is in orange on the map below. It follows an old bush track and connects with Top Track.
42 Traverse bypass track map (JPG, 1,200K)
The route across the slip is closed due to safety concerns. Do not attempt to cross it.
The end to end experience is still closed to 4WD and quad bikes users.
Four wheel driving
The track is open to 4WD vehicles each year in the summer from 1 December – 30 April. 4WD vehicles are not permitted from 1 May – 30 November. Vehicles are not permitted off the 42 Traverse route.
It is a rough 4WD track – always take recovery gear with you.
Take care following rainfall as stream levels rise quickly. Only cross waterways after checking they are safe.
About 16 km along SH47 from National Park Village, turn into Kapoors Road. Follow this for about 6 km to the start of the track at the road end.
The 42 Traverse has a variety of users - share the track with care and consideration.
Contacts
| Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 7 892 3729 |
| tongarirovc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | Whakapapa Village State Highway 48 Mount Ruapehu 3083 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |