42 Traverse
The 42 Traverse was named for the kilometres of telegraph road it follows across the volcanic plateau. Today it's 46km of iconic New Zealand high country — exposed ridgelines, native bush, river crossings, with no easy exits.
The route follows the old Northern Waikato telegraph line of the 1880s through the Tongariro Forest, from Kapoors Road near National Park down to Owhango. It's a proper backcountry day: a mix of gravel, 4WD track and singletrack, big views back to Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe and Tongariro, and several river crossings that change character with the weather.
It rides mostly downhill on paper — but the climbs that are there, you'll remember.
The ride
- 1880s telegraph route history
- High-country views to Ruapehu & Tongariro
- River crossings
- Gravel, 4WD track and singletrack
What Kune provides
- Shuttle options to the Owhango end — contact us to arrange
- Briefing + current conditions
- Local emergency intel — there are no easy exits out there
What to bring
- Full day's food + water
- Puncture kit and tools
- Layers — the plateau is exposed
Interactive map & trail reports
42 Traverse on Trailforks
Live trail status, recent reports and the full interactive map.