Private Tour
30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Welcome to the heart of Tongariro National Park amongst our taonga treasured Volcanic Maunga Mountains Pihanga, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu like nowhere else in the World. On Journey enjoy our learnings about Manaakitanga – caring & safety of visitors and Kaitiakitanga – guardianship to preserving life.
Locals of Maōri descent born and raised in Turangi Tongariro providing a niche transport service to Aotearoa New Zealand’s known best one day adventure hike to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with award winning experienced local transport services.
Highly recommended from Visitor’s. Ensured safety and experience from our destination Lake Rotoaira Turangi, World famously known for trout fishing, hiking, river rafting, geothermal hot pools, stays and a quint friendly environment. Shuttles & transfers are self-guided hiking and naturally has our Maōri blessings, and FREE safety photography via social media. UNESCO Department of Conservation Transport Operator Approved.
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
If you have any medical concerns please seek advice from a legal Practitioner before attempting any ‘outdoor’ activities. Participation is at your own risk and therefore no further liability will be made towards the transport operator or the vehicle parking operator.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Local friendly commentary & naturally our local ‘Maōri blessings’ and acknowledgements
Tongariro Crossing Mangatepopo Rd trail start, Toilet facilities
Free photography available from the social media pages
Tongariro Crossing parking lot & shuttle transfer
Hiking guide
Meals and drinks
Boots or Clothing
No Parking lot toilet facility & No rubbish bins. Parking lot only.
IMPORTANT: We need your vehicle plate number asap! WhatsApp friendly. Your day begins with our shuttle & transfer services where you are picked up from the only Tongariro Crossing Carpark without restrictions dependent on which departure time you choose. To compliment your already research of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing awareness and preparedness before coming with us the locals, we’ll also share our knowledge, culture and stories along the journey. All this information whilst you are driven to the heart of the Tongariro National Park, Aotearoa New Zealand’s known best one-day hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. On transfer to the beginning of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track at Mangatepopo Road which will take around 30-40 minutes. You're journey naturally experiences our ‘Maōri blessings’ where everyone gathers together. A speech in Maōri is given with acknowledgements and respect which is then explained in English approximately 5-minutes in total. After the korero speech in Maōri, and English, there will then be a team photo, first one for safety, second one for fun! This photo is available free from the social media pages and website. Self hiking tip when descending down from off the mountain or just to help to take that little extra pressure off your legs suggest usage of walking poles (not inclusive). In the afternoon when you finish the Tongariro Crossing trail end platform of Ketetahi, from here it’s only another 900 metres walk downhill to your parked vehicle in the parking lot. Parking for your all day convenience and leisure to hike the Tongariro Crossing without time restraints. IMPORTANT SAFETY FIRST INFORMATION - Know before you go New Zealand’s weather is unpredictable. Always check forecasts and expect four seasons in a day. We work closely with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation Weather Forecasts & Mountain Safety Council to encourage you and to follow their adventure outdoor safety code. • Wear good quality hiking boots • Layer your clothes - avoid cotton - thermal and fleeces are a good choice as they stay warm when wet • Water and windproof outerwear is essential • Take a warm hat and gloves even when it's hot - you don’t want to be caught out by the weather • Good to have spare toilet paper and hand sanitizer as not provided at the non-composting toilets along the Tongariro trail. • Wear and pack high factor sun protection • Your food and water intake will be higher - pack plenty of water to avoid dehydration and extra food with a high energy value • During daylight savings hours, make sure you pack a torch in case you return later than expected • Respect people, respect the land, and respect our environment, for preservation. Please Pack in what you Pack out
Parking lot & Shuttle transfer: Vehicle parking lot without restrictions.
Shuttle transfer to trail start
Hiking at own leisure.
Duration: 30 minutes: Shuttle transfer from the Tongariro Crossing parking lot to the Tongariro Crossing trail start Mangatepopo Road.
Vehicles: 24 seats Shuttle bus & 9 seats Shuttle van
4WD & Chains accessibility.
Pickup included
36 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Eric R,
Mar 23, 2025
- Viator
The shuttle was reliable and did the job. We arrived a bit early and our 6 a.m. shuttle filled up and departed 15 minutes early to give us a jump start on the crowds.
Miracle N,
Feb 4, 2025
- Viator
Great walk with beautiful views . Just the end felt like forever . But will definitely do it again with my partner
Matthew C,
Apr 18, 2024
- Viator
Well worth the cost. Brandon, our shuttle driver, had amazing energy and took safety very seriously. Car park felt very safe and was a close walk (~10 mins) away from end of hike.
Marco P,
Apr 3, 2024
- Viator
We missed our assigned shuttle. Luckily they have many shuttles going back and forth so only had to wait 25 minutes. One of the best hikes I’ve done.
Sandy W,
Feb 28, 2024
- Viator
Awesome experience. When I was at the carpark, a tour guide invited me to hop on the shuttle straight away without checking. Very easy.
Operated by Backyard Tours