Private Tour
Tongariro Crossing Round trip transfer from Turangi
Overview
Available languages
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 Turangi Taupō, World famously known for trout fishing, hiking, river rafting, geothermal hot pools, stays and a quint friendly environment. Shuttles & transfers are hiking self-guided and naturally has our Maōri blessings, FREE safety photography, FREE use of walking poles, and a FREE cold drink at the END. UNESCO Transport Operator Approved.
Additional Info
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Your day begins with our shuttle & transfer services where you are picked up from your location of accommodation 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. 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 45-60 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. You can use the walking poles for free as you self-guide hike. Very useful when descending down from off the mountain or just to help to take that little extra pressure off your legs. Various sizes therefore check them out on drop off point. You will be picked up at the end of your hike in the afternoon to your booking time from the trail end platform of Ketetahi. You will be greeted with a free celebratory cold drink - your life saver! 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 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 • If later than your return time a fee is applicable. • Respect people, respect the land, and respect our environment, for preservation. Please Pack in what you Pack out
What‘s Included
Naturally our local ‘Maōri blessings’ and acknowledgements
Local friendly commentary
Free celebratory cold drink at the end
Free usage of walking poles
Transport transfer round trip from Turangi
Free photography available from the social media pages
Hiking guide
Meals and drinks
Boots or Clothing
Pickup points
Judges Pool Motel
92 Taupahi Road, Turangi New Zealand
Creel Lodge Motel
183 Taupahi Road, Waikato Turangi New Zealand
Tongariro River Retreat
26 Ngawaka Place, Turangi New Zealand
Turangi Bridge Motel
4600 State Highway 1, P.O. Box 42 Turangi New Zealand
Tongariro Junction Accommodation
25 Ohuanga Road, Opposite Fire Station Turangi New Zealand
Tongariro River Motel
Corner of Taupahi Road and Piri Road, Or Corner of State Hwy One and Piri Road Turangi New Zealand
Parklands Motor Lodge
25 Te Arahori Street, PO Box 142 Turangi New Zealand
Riverstone Backpackers
222 Te Rangitautahanga Road, Waikato Turangi New Zealand
Tongariro Lodge
83 Grace Road Turangi New Zealand
Turangi Leisure Lodge
Ngawaka Place, Turangi Taupo New Zealand
Options
Tongariro Crossing Round trip
Tongariro Crossing Round trip : Turangi to the Tongariro Crossing start, and return in the afternoon from the Tongariro Crossing trail end back to Turangi.
Cold drink at the end.
9, 11, 24 seater vehicles
Turangi Shuttle Round trip: Self-hiker shuttle door to door service includes Maōri blessings, stories, photo, drink at end, and walking poles optional.
Pickup included
Reviews
74 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Perfect experience
Derek V,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Pickup was exactly on time just before 5:30am. After a quick and informative overview of the hike, safety briefing, and Maori blessing by our driver and host, Brendan (great guy with an awesome sense of humor and local history/knowledge), I was on the trail by 6:20am. We were all back on the shuttle and heading home by just after 2pm with my cold drink from Brendan in hand! Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Oh, and the hike was amazing as well!
Beautiful!
Elisabeth M,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is quite demanding but with some fitness feasible. The trail is very well groomed and it also has enough toilets on the route. Strictly the specifications regarding dress, shoes, food and drink of the aprovider contents.
Practical and perfect service
Laure D,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Simply perfect service and convenient. They tour the hotels in Turangi at dawn (~5:30am) to take you to the starting point (start 6:30am at the front!) of the hike and take you back to your hotel at the end of the hike (and if you are among the first arrivals, there is a first shuttle that leaves around 1pm).
Brendan was a friendly,...
Brad K,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Brendan was a friendly, safe driver! We enjoyed our cool drink after our 20k walk that was offered to us.
Good service
Patricia M,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Efficient way of getting to the Alpine crossing, and back to Turangi. Communication was good beforehand.
Had a great experience...
Utkarsh C,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a great experience with Backyard Tours. The drivers were punctual and engaging – telling about the local history, culture, and geography. They also lended hiking poles for the walk. The complimentary drinks (soda/beer) at the end were a nice surprise. The pickup from Turangi was at 5.30 am, reached Mangatepopo car park at 6.30 am, and the return was scheduled at 2.30 pm from Ketetahi par park. As everyone completed the trek early, the shuttle left for Turangi at 2:00 pm.
Very professional,...
Andrea S,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very professional, communicative and friendly. I had a very good experience with them. Highly recommended.
Wish pick up time is a bit more flexible
SooWai E,Feb 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00When I booked the transfer/shuttle for the trailhead drop off and pick up, I didn't realize there is only one pick up time which was latest at 230pm. If I exceeded that schedule, there will be additional charge. I wish I could have one more hour to complete the trail. The rush did affected my full enjoyment of the hike. Other than that, we fully appreciate the transfer service provided by Brenden and his wife and their friendliness.
Highly Recommend Backyard Tours!
Sunshine12921046767,Feb 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I booked Backyard Tours for their return shuttle service to Tongariro Alpine Walks. They were very friendly and communicative! Providing frequent updates to us! On top of that they were very punctual with their pick up service! Highly recommend their team!
Amazing hike with a couple hiccups!
celestial magpie,Feb 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The hike itself is amazing! We were lucky with some of the best weather of the season. The crossing is a challenge, mostly due to weather and length more than elevation gain. I shed cold layers to put on sun protection laters, so be sure to plan accordingly! I did it with poles, which proved to be really useful on the scree descent. Lovely varied landscape and fascinating geology! Note: it’s not mentioned in the itinerary, but you do have to register online that you’re doing the crossing. We completed it upon starting the trek, as there was a ranger checking confirmations. Why I docked a star: communication with the tour company wasn’t great. They checked in with me via text to confirm my reservation, but then gave confusing directions to a pickup spot. We were driving around in the dark and missed our shuttle - though the vibe was chill and we got on the next bus. Then at the trail end I called about the shuttle pickup, and was told we were to walk to our van at the parking lot since we were just shy of a kilometer away. This wasn’t the worst, but I did pay for round trip and a “celebratory drink” that never materialized either. All in all, really loved the hike itself and I can look past the minor inconveniences - do recommend.
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Operated by Backyard Tours