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 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.
What‘s Included
Map and information sheet
Pickup points
Haka Lodge Taupo
56 Kaimanawa Street Taupo New Zealand
Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park
16 Rangatira Street Taupo New Zealand
BASED BY THE LAKE
7 Tuwharetoa Street, Taupo New Zealand
Finlay Jack's Backpackers
20 Taniwha Street, Taupo New Zealand
Options
Taupo Return Shuttle
Pickup included
Reviews
23 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very nice drivers....
Daphne T,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very nice drivers. Incredibly timely. They responded to my message the day before asking if the trip was still happening and confirmed it.
Amazing day on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing!
Stephen S,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Easy! Friendly staff! Picked me right up at my hotel in the early morning. Kindly accommodated a day-before change in pickup location given some confusion with my tour group - no problem! Nice bus ride to trailhead and pickup right on time after the hike. They gave me an easy to follow trail map with safety cautions, expected hike times for each segment, do’s and don’ts, etc. Really made this challenging hike a lot of fun! Study up before going, bring lots of water, food and layers - weather can change quickly! Hiking poles and sturdy boots are a big help! There are many bathrooms along the route - clearly marked!
Excellent
Ivonne A,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Super good! They pick you up in time, both for the start and the end, they deliver valuable information before starting your tour in Tongariro and the person who picked us up at the end of the trecking was kind suuuupwr! Loved it! 100% recommend
Great shuttle option with...
Folu F,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great shuttle option with a helpful map. Was cancelled and rescheduled smoothly when there was better weather forecasted.
Perfect service. Lovely...
Alessandra P,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Perfect service. Lovely drivers and very smooth drive from Taupo to the National Park. Most people complete the track in 6 to 7hrs so bring plenty of water and something to do waiting for the shuttle back
Great experience all round 👍
eoiners,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good experience with Tongarrio expeditions. Picked up from accommodation bang on time in the morning, dropped to the mountain and dropped back to accommodation after a long day up in the mountain. The team knew their stuff and were able to give good guidance and helpful tips on all things in the area. A little map and tips sheet provided as well which was great.I did the trek with 12 year old son so was very happy knowing that we were in safe hands with these folks. Seems pricey but it is a good drive from Taupo and we did get picked up very early and dropped right back to accom which was very much appreciated as the day in itself is quite long, so good value in all and a great experience all round 👍
a 10 out of 10
Lea B,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00it was very cold but we had a great time! Drop off and pick up was very easily and the people on the hike were friendly.
They didn't show up for pick up!
alexsky99,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00They didn't show up for the pick up. They didn't provide the driver's phone number for communication. Totally unprofessional!
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.
From NZ$130.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Tongariro Expeditions