Taupo Return Shuttle
Overview
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Transport for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is essential. If you are staying in Taupo and you do not have a vehicle this is the only option that takes you to and from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from Taupo.
If you have a vehicle and you would like to drive yourself please look at our Ketetahi park n ride. Another great option for fast and slow hikers.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Map and information sheet
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
You must be waiting outside at your pick up location 10 mins before pick up time. We take you from Taupo to Mangatepopo car park, the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. You will be at the track start approx 7am. You hike for 8 hours and we pick up at the end of the day at 3:30pm. Pick up is from the Ketetahi car park at the end of the track. Please do not walk out to the main road. Just rest at the seating areas provided. We take you from Ketetahi to Taupo and drop you back to your pick up location. You will arrive in Taupo approx 5pm.
Options
Taupo Return Shuttle
Pickup included
Reviews
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Ideal transfer for the...
Andrea V,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Ideal transfer for the Tongariro Crossing. The driver was punctual and cheerful. The time for the hike is definitely enough.
Great Shuttle Service
Polmike,
May 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very timely pick up from the hotel and an hour drive to Mangatepopo Car park. Driver was friendly and gave us all the info we need to know before starting the hike. He came on time at the end of the hike and took us back to our respective hotels.
Great shuttle service
donmar92,
Apr 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great shuttle service for drop off and pick up for the Tangariro Alpine Crossing. Shuttle was on time and the driver was very accommodating. The hike itself is challenging but the views are amazing.
Great views!
Jan N,
Jan 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The walk was simply amazing :) There are various sceneries to see and the weather was more or less in our favor. Not as challenging as I feared, I think everyone from our bus finished.
It was a tough process, but it was a valuable experience
m-a-2020,
Jan 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The driver's response to the Taupo round trip was very kind. It was clear, but the wind was so strong that I felt a bit dangerous about being sent flying near Red Crater. We had a very good time in Whitehorse, we had a very good time in Whitehorse, we had a good time in Whitehorse, we had a good time in Whitehorse and we had a good time. I enjoyed trekking down the mountain in an idyllic atmosphere. We had a very nice time in almost 7 hours.
Super smooth and great experience doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from Taupo
Meander34529874853,
Dec 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything worked out very well. We booked the trip and as stated got informed timely before the trip via email about the trip status. Then received additional email with confirmation that the trip will happen (it was on hold before due to uncertain weather), and got clear instructions about pickup time and additional useful information. Would have loved to receive information in advance whether I could leave stuff in the bus (e.g. spare shoes for after the hike), but it's not guaranteed that you'll be in the same bus again for your return trip. We got picked up precisely on time at our desired location, the bus driver was very friendly. A live GPS with the location of the bus before the pickup would have been amazing 😊 After having arrived at the Tongariro Alpine Crossing start, the driver provided other useful information about the return pickup, which was then also very well organised by the on-site staff, distributing the hikers into the various buses depending on their destinations in Taupo. It's not overly cheap but I'd book again, as the overall service and experience was very good. Thanks, team!
I hope I get a refund
drcmarie s,
Dec 9, 2024
- Review from Viator
1.00We got a email that shuttle was on hold in afternoon day before but didn’t receive a follow up email from shuttle operator so not sure if it went. Many were cancelled do do weather . I’ve had no follow up re refund and have sent a message and awaiting response. I’ve had an issue like this with Viator before and only got a partial refund
Great, convenient, stress free shuttle service for Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Walt S,
Mar 11, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Great shuttle service from Taupo to Tongariro NP for Alpine Crossing hike. Picked up at hotel at 515 in the morning, and return by 400 in the afternoon.
Convenient and friendly
Nellisery N,
Feb 25, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Worked out perfectly. Picked up from the hotel along the bus route on time. Comfortable ride both ways.
Great service, friendly driver, but overpriced
Maria M,
Dec 28, 2023
- Review from Viator
4.00Great service provided. The driver was on time, 5.15am sharp, very friendly and professional. He gave clear instructions and drove us safely. I found the price so expensive for a 1h drive to the Crossing Tongariro, return ticket, I paid $125 Australian dollars. I paid because it was the only option I had, since my hostel didn't want to help me to book through them. Anyway, the service was great, just totally overpriced in my case.
From NZ$130.00
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Operated by Tongariro Expeditions