The first 150 Goat entries are just $150, and the first 50 Kid entries only $19. Get in quick if you want to lock in this epic price.
Entries will open 7pm, Wednesday 8th April 2026.
When they’re gone they’re gone – standard entry fees apply thereafter.
It’s time to take on The Goat Adventure Run – an epic 20km(ish) run from Whakapapa to Turoa Ski Fields along the legendary Round the Mountain track. With over 1,000 metres of vertical ascent, The Goat course isn’t for the faint-hearted. You’ll run, clamber, crawl, and slide your way through mud, tussocks, alpine streams, waterfalls, and vertical rocky terrain – but the stunning natural environment makes every challenging step worth it.
Leap past ancient lava flows and scoria fields, bound through mountain beech forests and tussock grasslands, and scramble across alpine herb fields, waterfalls, and boulder-strewn rivers. Take in panoramic views that are shear perfection – only the heartiest trail runners will cross the finish line in what has become a ‘bucket-list’ event for many Kiwi trail runners.
Located in a UNESCO Dual World Heritage Area, the Tongariro National Park is a playground for goat-footed adventurers, thrill-seekers, and anyone who loves a proper mountain challenge.
Whether you’re ready to push yourself, climb, crawl, or slide your way to the finish, it’s time to push yourself to the limit and JOIN THE HERD at The Goat Adventure Run. You might even find yourself saying, “This is un-baa-lievable!” along the way!
Use the menu items below to expand the information for the 2027 Goat Tongariro event.
Click ‘Load The Goat’ above for interactive map and to download the GPX file for the event.
2027 Event Pricing
| Enter before 11:59pm on… | |
| – 21st May 2026 (Billy Bonus Pricing) | $ 239.00 |
| – 6th August 2026 (Goat Tracks Pricing) | $ 259.00 |
| – 31st December 2026 (Hoof It Pricing) | $ 279.00 |
| – 21st January 2027 (Last Herd Pricing) | $ 299.00 |
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:
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.
Waves are assigned based on a mix of:
We aim to spread the herd so runners are grouped with others of similar pace.
If you believe you’re a genuine contender for the overall win and are not in Wave 1A, please get in touch.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Event registration for the Goat Tongariro event participants will take place at the following three times:
Please read this carefully before entering, and again before race week. It is important!
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.
All of the following compulsory gear must be presented to the gear check team at event registration before you can collect your race number.
*Consider checking out our sponsors, Opus Fresh for your Goat branded thermal tops, gloves, and beanie!
Recommended (but not compulsory) Gear:
This is a true off-road, alpine course. Expect:
You will get wet. You will probably get muddy. You might even rip your pants. That’s what makes it an adventure!
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.
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.
Only you have the answer to this question.
Please note:
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.
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.
Pre-race tips
Once at the top, you’ll have some time to:
There will be a Gear Bag service available for all Goats to use.
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:
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.
