Private Tour
Tongariro Crossing Secure Parking & Shuttle one way
Overview
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.
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 or the vehicle parking operator.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
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.
What To Expect
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
Options
Tongariro secure park & ride
Secure Park & Shuttle transfer: Vehicle parking lot without restrictions.
Shuttle transfer to trail start
Hiking at own leisure.
Duration: 30 minutes: Shuttle transfer from the only Tongariro Crossing Secure parking lot to the Tongariro Crossing trail start Mangatepopo Road.
Vehicles: 24 seats Shuttle bus & 9 seats Shuttle van
4WD & Chains accessibility.
Pickup included
Reviews
38 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Hassle free experience
Neil F,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Hassle free transfer and pick up. Our driver Brendan gave us some background en route. We started the walk 25 minutes after leaving the pickup car park
The description clearly...
Ben S,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00The description clearly stated this was a two-way shuttle. After finishing the Tongariro Crossing, there was a Backyard Tours shuttle waiting in the small car park at the end of the trail. We approached the driver and asked for a ride back to our car, as our booking stated that return transport would be provided at any time. He refused and told us we could enjoy a “bonus walk” instead. I found this extremely unprofessional and misleading given the way the service was advertised. I would strongly recommend booking with another company.
Backyard Tours will look after you
M1332VWkevins,
Apr 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Turangi Leisure lodge recommended "Backyard Tours" and they were on the money. A great experience! Gloria is charming and well informed.
Brilliant hike + excellent tour/shuttle company
JoeStory,
Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This has definitely been one of the highlights of our NZ trip so far. The shuttles to and from the park worked flawlessly, the Tongariro hike was phenomenal, and Brendan + Gloria were super friendly and knowledgeable.
Well organized service
karlheinzbusse,
Mar 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Shuttle service was well organized. Also had you easily rebooked, which unfortunately was necessary. The shuttles themselves (minibuses) are already a bit worn out, which is not surprising given the masses that are passed through, Ber were ultimately ok.
Good experience
Eric R,
Mar 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The 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.
Great Tongariro Shuttle Service!
B6639XQinesc,
Mar 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything was fine, I booked a single person Shuttle for the Tongariro Crossing for the next day by phone, because online they only offer it for at least 2 people. I got there and everything was organized perfectly, the directions to the secure parking lot were precise and it was easy to find even in the dark. The shuttle left on time and the bus driver was very entertaining. I would always book it again with them!
Mt tongariro hike
Miracle N,
Feb 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great walk with beautiful views . Just the end felt like forever . But will definitely do it again with my partner
Great Experience
chrislD1740JL,
Jan 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I cannot fault the service we received from these guys. Everything went to plan and was on time. Simple basic information and advice without having too much pushed down your throat. Nice and relaxed service. Its definitely the way to go getting them to take you to the start then walking back to your car. The walk can be tough for some in places and can be tricky getting up to the summit if its wet for sure. Do not attempt it if you are not sure on your feet. The scree slopes on the way down need great care also. Highly recommended, this was the highlight of our stay in North Island.
Tongariro crossing
Coastal824219,
Dec 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very well organised by Gloria and Brendan was excellent driver/guide, cold L&P at the end of our hike was awesome, thank you
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