The Goat

Click ‘Load The Goat’  above for interactive map and to download the GPX file for the event.

2027 Event Pricing

• Enter by midnight on the 7th January 2027 to receive a personalised race bib.
• Online entries close 11:59pm on Tuesday 21st January 2027 unless sold out prior. A limited number of late entries will be available at race registration on a first come first served basis on Friday 22nd January 2027.
• A 3.2% credit card surcharge will be added to all entry fee and merchandise transactions. This surcharge will be presented as a % being added to all transactions.

Late Entries
If the event is not sold out, limited late entries will be available at race registration on Friday night only. There will be no late entries permitted on race day.

The Goat Tongariro Entry Includes:

• Choice of a Goat Tongariro Finisher Medal or plant a tree in the Tongariro National Park. Also, option to do both i.e., receiving a medal and donating a tree ($10).
• Complimentary finish line treats including choice of a beer, cider, fruit juice or soft drink accompanied by a barbequed goat sausage in a fresh bun with condiments (gluten free and vegetarian options also available).
• Complimentary entry to the Goat After Party with DJ, Live Band & Special Dress Theme at the Powderhorn from 8.30pm on Saturday 23rd January 2027.

Wave Starts

The Goat uses a staggered wave start from the top of Bruce Road to help protect the Tongariro National Park environment and improve the runner experience on course.

• First wave (1A): 8:00am
• Last wave (6C): 8:54am
• Waves are released every 3 minutes across 18 total waves

How waves are allocated

Waves are assigned based on a mix of:

• Previous Goat results (where available)
• Your estimated half marathon time (on-road)
• Any notes provided during entry

We aim to spread the herd so runners are grouped with others of similar pace.

Important to know

• Overall winners (male & female) are the first to cross the finish line, regardless of wave
• Age group placings are based on net time (your personal start to finish time)
• Minimum age to enter is 16 years on event day

If you believe you’re a genuine contender for the overall win and are not in Wave 1A, please get in touch.

Wave changes & timing

• Wave allocations are confirmed in the week leading into the event
• Need to request a change? Email info@thegoat.co.nz — we’ll do our best to help if space allows

But first, a couple of quick notes from us

We’re working with a mix of past results and the info provided at entry — occasionally things don’t quite line up (it happens!). If something looks off, just flick us an email and we’ll take a look.

Wave positions can also shift slightly year to year depending on the strength of the field — so don’t worry if you’re in a slightly different spot than last time.

Full wave schedule

Wave 1 — A 8:00 | B 8:03 | C 8:06
Wave 2 — A 8:09 | B 8:12 | C 8:15
Wave 3 — A 8:18 | B 8:21 | C 8:24

Wave 4 — A 8:30 | B 8:33 | C 8:36
Wave 5 — A 8:39 | B 8:42 | C 8:45
Wave 6 — A 8:48 | B 8:51 | C 8:54

The Goat is a challenging alpine adventure run. Participants should enter with the expectation of running most of the course. Cut-off times are in place for safety and event logistics.

Cut-Off #1: 6.3 km mark

Time limit: 1 hour 35 minutes from your wave start
Latest possible time (Wave 6C): 10:29am

All runners must reach the 6.3 km checkpoint within 1 hour 35 minutes of their start time.

If you do not make this cut-off, you will be stopped and turned around. You’ll be assisted back to Bruce Road, with transport provided to the finish area at Turoa.

Runners who miss this cut-off will receive a DNF (Did Not Finish).

Cut-Off #2: Finish Line

Final cut-off: 3:29pm

All runners must reach the finish line by 3:29pm.

If you pass Cut-Off #1 but are unable to complete the course in time, you may be required to exit the course before the finish. In some cases, runners may be allowed to continue along the road to complete the distance, depending on traffic management on the day.

Runners finishing after 3:29pm will be recorded as DNF, even if they complete the course.

Good to know

• Cut-off times are based on ensuring runners can safely complete the course
• If you miss a cut-off, continuing in the event is not an option
• Our team will support you off the course if needed

2027 Registration Timeline

Event registration for the Goat Tongariro event participants will take place at the following three times:

• Friday 22nd January: 3.30pm – 9.00pm the night prior to the event at the Powderhorn Chateau, bottom of the Ohakune Mountain Road in Ohakune.
• Saturday 23rd January: 5.00am – 5.45am on event morning at the Powderhorn Chateau, bottom of the Ohakune Mountain Road in Ohakune.
• Saturday 23rd January: 7.00am sharp on event morning at the Start Line, top of Bruce Road, Whakapapa.

Registration Rules

1. You cannot collect race numbers for others.
2. You cannot transfer your race number or wristband to others after picking it up.
3. Anyone in breach of the above requirements will be issued a ban from future Goat events – we issued bans in 2017 and we hope to not issue any bans in future events.

Registration Process

1. Your compulsory gear will need to be sighted by our compulsory gear check crew (this includes your sparkly clean & dry shoes). At this point your hand will be stamped and you can proceed to step 2.
2. Your personal ID will be sighted by our registration crew (personal ID details must match the details we have for you in our registration system. Our event safety team needs to have the correct details of everyone we release out onto the Goat course). At this point your event number/transponder plus any dinner tickets/bus transport wristbands will be issued by our event crew (please don’t lose these!), plus your compulsory gear approval wristband will be placed on you.
3. Before you exit please review the up-to-date weather conditions and ask any last minute questions you may have.

Please read this carefully before entering, and again before race week. It is important!

Why Compulsory Gear?

Your safety is our top priority. The Goat course crosses rugged alpine terrain on Mt Ruapehu, with sections up to 8 km from road access. Weather conditions can change quickly and become extreme.

Carrying the right gear is essential for your safety and for the safe operation of the event.

What Compulsory Gear Do I Need To Have?

All of the following compulsory gear must be presented to the gear check team at event registration before you can collect your race number.

1. Clean dry footwear (these will also be cleaned again by our volunteers at registration – learn about ‘why’ here)
2. Thermal long-sleeved top*
3. Thermal beanie*
4. Thermal gloves*
5. Thermal/survival bag (Note: survival blankets are not acceptable) – example here
6. Whistle
7. Drink carrying device (Note: due to the isolated environment there are no aid stations on the course.  We recommend carrying approx 3 litres of water)
8. Suitable SEAM SEALED weather barrier jacket. (Read more about what makes a good jacket here…)

*Consider checking out our sponsors, Opus Fresh for your Goat branded thermal tops, gloves, and beanie!

Recommended (but not compulsory) Gear:

• Off-road running shoes (instead of road shoes)
• Thermal short-sleeved top
• A basic first aid kit
• Sunscreen
• Sports glasses
• Running cap
• Ankle gaiters

Course conditions

This is a true off-road, alpine course. Expect:

• Mud, rocks, and uneven terrain
• Stream and river crossings
• Steep climbs and descents

You will get wet. You will probably get muddy. You might even rip your pants. That’s what makes it an adventure!

Do we check?

Do goats have hooves? You bet we do.

Random gear checks will take place before the start. If you don’t have the required gear, you won’t be allowed to start.

Do I need to carry all of it?

Yes. At the compulsory pre event briefing (if not before), organisers will notify competitors if the compulsory gear rating for the event will be a Level 1 or a Level 2 event.

At Level 1: all compulsory gear needs to be carried with you on course, but you can make your own decision as to what you will wear vs. carry. Since the event has moved out of its original December date, all events have been Level 1 events.

At level 2:  all compulsory gear needs to be carried with you on course, PLUS you will only be allowed to move into the start area if you are wearing certain items.

Do I Need A Bus?

Only you have the answer to this question.

• Supporters can drop entrants off near the START area at the top of Bruce Road and watch the event start.
• Supporters can collect entrants from the FINISH area from the top of Ohakune Mountain Road.
• For those without supporters to do drop off/pick up a user pays bus transport is available:

User Pays Bus Transport Options:

1. Round Trip (Ohakune → Whakapapa Ski Area (start) AND Turoa Ski Area (finish) → Ohakune) – $90.00
2. Pre Event Only (Ohakune → Whakapapa Ski Area (start)) – $45.00
3. Post Event Only (Turoa Ski Area (finish) → Ohakune) – $45.00

Please note:

• The bus stop in Ohakune for all departing and returning busses is outside the Powderhorn Chateau on Mangawhero Terrace.
• The busses do not make stops along the way
• Tickets must be booked in advance via your EventPlus account before 11:59pm, Thursday 14th January 2027.

Pre-Event Bus Times (Saturday Morning)

Waves 1-3 : be at the bus stop by 5.45am, ready for a 6.00am departure.
Wave 4-6: be at the bus stop by 6.15am, ready for a 6.30am departure.

• The trip from Ohakune to Whakapapa takes about 1hr
• You must have a pre-purchased ticket to get on board the bus

Post-Event Bus Times (Saturday Afternoon)

• Bus transport for Goat entrants depart the finish line at Turoa Ski Area for Ohakune approx. every 30 minutes from about 10.45am.
• The final bus will leave at 3:30pm.
• You must have pre-booked to board.
• All post event buses drop entrants back to Ohakune.

Supporter Transport

For those who don’t have transport to see their runner cross the finish line, supporter bus tickets are also available for $45 per person.

• Supporters can catch any of the return athlete buses from Ohakune to Turoa Ski Area, starting from approximately 11:15am
• This gives supporters a safe and convenient way to reach the finish line without driving themselves
• Tickets must be booked in advance via EventPlus before 11:59pm, Thursday 14th January 2027.

• 07:00am – Late registration opens (if pre-arranged)
• Approx. 07:00am – Buses with Wave 1–3 entrants arrive
• Approx. 07:30am – Buses with Wave 4–6 entrants arrive
• Approx. 07:45am – Race start commentary & countdown, final briefing
• 08:00am–08:24am – Wave 1–3 depart
• 08:30am–08:54am – Wave 4–6 depart

Pre-race tips
Once at the top, you’ll have some time to:

• Stretch and warm up
• Use toilet facilities
• Adjust your pack
• Mentally prepare for the adventure ahead
• Place any unwanted gear on the gear bus

There will be a Gear Bag service available for all Goats to use.

• Bring your own bag to fill with anything you needed at the start line but don’t want to carry with you on course.
• Don’t put valuables or fragile items in your bag.
• Take your gear bag to the dedicated ‘gear bus’ which will deliver it to the finish line.
• Ensure it is clearly labeled with your race number (tags will be provided on the gear bus)
• The gear bus departs at 07:59am (before Wave 1A starts)
• Gear bags can be collected post-event from the finish line athlete recovery area. Please present your bib to collect your bag.

Are there aid stations on course?
No, the Goat is a self sufficient event. There will be hydration offered at the finish line (in 2027 this will be supplied by Neversecond) as well as bananas & jet planes.

Are there toilets on course?
There are toilets at the start and finish line, and there is a hut toilet at Mangaturuturu Hut which is about 14km into the course. We recommend having a few doggy bags on you in case of emergency and carry anything back out with you.

Goat Age Groups

All categories are determined by the age of a competitor on the day of the event. Competitors must be at least 16 years of age on race day.

There are Mens & Women’s categories for each of the below age groups:

• Youngest Goat (Under 23 years)
• Open Goat (23-39 years)
• Wicked Goat (40-49 years)
• Nifty Goat (50-59 years)
• Goat Legends (60 years plus)

Minimum Age
Goat entrants must be 16yrs or older to enter. If you are under 16yrs old your parent/guardian will need to email entries@thegoat.co.nz and detail your running experience and give permission for a special dispensation to be considered.