Tongariro Crossing Park & Ride (Ketetahi)
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
We are an experienced shuttle service providing transport for visitors to and from the Tongariro National Park since the 90's.
Tongariro Expeditions operates out of the Tongariro Crossing Park & Ride, a safe off road parking area near the track end at Ketetahi. We offer a complimentary afternoon shuttle back to your car between 1-5pm.
With more than 25 years’ experience living and breathing the Tongariro lifestyle, the team at Tongariro Expeditions understand this unique alpine environment better than most. Alongside our Tongariro Alpine Crossing shuttle services, we also offer information, maps and comprehensive weather advice.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Not recommended for participants with back problems, heart complaints or other serious medical conditions, or pregnant women
Weather conditions can change, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Driver
Complementary afternoon shuttle back to your car.
Map and information sheet
What To Expect
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 20km alpine hike that takes 6-8 hours to complete. The hike journeys over active volcanoes through dramatic landscapes including the Emerald and Blue Lakes, Red Crater and Te Maari Crater.
Options
Ketetahi Park N Ride
This service takes you from the end of the track to the start. Check in time in 30 mins prior to departure time.
Tongariro Holiday Park Shuttle
Tongariro Holiday Park: This service picks up from the car park in front of the Tongariro Holiday Park called Base Camp at 6:40am.
Taupo Return Shuttle
Pick up from your central Taupo accommodation or Taupo isite. Pick up time is 5:15am.
Turangi Return Shuttle
Turangi Return 6:10am or7:10am: Pick up from your central Turangi accommodation or Turangi isite. Pick up time either 6:10am or 7:10am, to be confirmed when you call the day before. Leave the end of the track between 2:30-4:30pm.
Reviews
92 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Efficient way to access the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
old-jogger,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We booked online to park at the end of the trail and have the shuttle take us to the start of the trail. Everything went smoothly. Instructions emailed to us the day before were accurate. Staff very friendly. The pickup at the end of the trail is great because they run a bus back to your car every ten minutes. I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because some of the info is inaccurate and this caused me some confusion and caused other people to miss their shuttle in the morning. The confirmation email provides a “pickup” location. This is not the location where you are picked up in the morning - this is place you will be picked up at the end of the hike. A second email the day before the hike tells you where to park in the morning - so make sure you check that email and don’t rely on the confirmation email.
Easy exoerience
Jared S,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Made doing the tongariro crossing very easy, simple park, get on the shuttle, and your adventure begins
Another Best Day!
AustinMartina,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole team were excellent. From my first email to being dropped off at the start of the track was just spot on. Especially as I was doing the trip solo I felt safe and relaxed because I knew what to expect. Email booking was fast and efficient, info on the bus was great. And I loved the map. Check out their video and be a Jill!! 🤩 Thank you and I can’t wait to go again
recommendation
Dylan C,
Apr 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00owners were punctual and provided all the necessary information needed for the trek. would recommend
Great service
must travel soon 10,
Mar 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The shuttle is essential to having a great experience on the epic hike. Easy to find, courteous and efficient. The driver was very helpful and offered some good information
Reservation Was Canceled Hours Before
Pioneer30216387712,
Mar 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00This company called late in day the day before and just canceled our booking because they did not have enough people leaving us to scramble to find another company
Tongariro Traverse, pick up and hike
Connector27730727485,
Mar 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We're picked up by and dropped off after the Tongariro Traverse by the Tongariro Expedition Bus. Excellent! Thanks Dave!
Good shuttle service
RitaAdM,
Feb 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfectly organized, punctual as well as good information and easy to book. I would use the service again.
Great service
244katrinaf,
Jan 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great service. Easy to deal with, and great communication from the business. Very friendly staff. And they give very good information about the track and make it easy to change plans if plans need to change.
Please do yourself a favor a book a different tour operator...
W7997QJandresl,
Jan 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Overpriced ~60 NZD for a one-way transfer (20 min ride) from the destination to the start for the Tongariro Crossing trail; The bus is quite uncomfortable and the driver was very slow in the sealed road, but very fast in the gravel road (it supposed to be 40 km/hr but the driver was speeding, which made me feeling unsafe). The information provided via email is also misleading: if you book the 8:00 AM trip, the email instructions tells that you need to check-in 30 minutes prior, however, the shuttle/driver doesn't arrive until the exact time of departure. I will recommended not using this service and planning to do a work around with other hikers. Edit response below after response from the tour operator: Thank you for your response. While I appreciate the opportunity to address my concerns, your reply lacks professionalism and doesn’t address the core issues raised. First, I request a detailed breakdown of the shuttle cost versus the actual fees paid to DOC for maintenance. The cost of the shuttle appears to be exorbitant compared to industry standards, and I would like clarity on why this is the case. Regarding the speed, if the shuttle was truly monitored, I would appreciate documented proof of the recorded speed during my journey. My experience felt unsafe, particularly on the gravel roads. Your dismissive tone and attempt to undermine my review, along with a failure to address valid concerns, reflect poorly on your company. The lack of professionalism and basic customer service is concerning, especially when dealing with safety-related issues. I will be sharing this exchange with my network on my social media and with all people I meet in NZ, as transparency and honesty are important when choosing tour operators. I trust you will reconsider your approach to customer feedback in the future. Btw asking people to provide feedback on Google or TripAdvisor only if is positive seems VERY PROFESSIONAL... "If your day went smoothly please consider giving some positive feedback on Google my business or Tripadvisor. If you have feedback to give us on how we can improve please email me directly"
From NZ$65.00
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Operated by Tongariro Expeditions