Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Mountain Shuttle Services

3 reviews

from $68 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation, check the booking page for details.

Meeting point: Turangi accommodation pickups
Cancellation: Free cancellation, check the booking page for details
Run by: Backyard Tours

Overview

Backyard Tours Shuttles & Transfers runs a simple transport service built around one job: getting hikers to the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and, depending on the option chosen, back again. Two versions exist.

Pickup happens from a long list of Turangi locations, from motels and backpackers to the public toilets in town, and the ride to Mangatepopo Car Park takes about an hour with a safety briefing and scenery along the way. Drivers are local and share stories and cultural background on the region during the drive. The round trip option adds a cold drink after the hike and optional use of walking poles.

This suits independent hikers who have their own food, water and gear and only need reliable transport. The trip is open to both seasoned hikers and first-timers on the trail. The crossing itself covers steep slopes, loose scoria and live volcanic terrain at high altitude. A minimum of two booked passengers is needed for a run to operate, and the operator refunds in full if seats or numbers force a change.

17tours listed on this site

$34 to $253per-person from-prices across the whole site, USD

5tour types

2,991reviews across all site tours

What's Included

Included

Friendly and knowledgeable local driver to enhance your journey with stories and insights
Convenient round trip service from Turangi to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with a post-hike refreshment with a cold drink to reward your efforts, also optional use of walking poles
All-day car parking option for those who prefer to drive themselves, with a One-way shuttle service to the trail start
Comfortable, well-maintained vehicles

Not Included

One way shuttle service not include optional walking poles
Food
Water
Hiring equipment
Hiking boots
Safety first aid kits
Coffee
Outdoor adventure clothing
Torch
Toilet paper

Itinerary

Pickup in TurangiChoose from a wide range of Turangi pickup points, including Moe Marie B&B, Parklands Motor Lodge, Tongariro River Motel, Creel Lodge, Riverstone Backpackers, the public toilets, and many other motels in town.
Scenic drive to trailheadThe transfer to Mangatepopo Car Park takes about 1 hour, with a safety briefing on board and views along the way.
The Tongariro Alpine CrossingHike the crossing independently. The track crosses steep slopes, loose scoria and live volcanic terrain at high altitude.
Return shuttle or carRound trip customers are collected for the ride back to Turangi, with a cold drink waiting after the hike. One-way customers walk out to their parked car using the all-day parking included with that option.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape your day more than anything else.

Cheapest from-price in each tour type, per person, USD

Make the DOC booking. DOC asks walkers to book the track free online, and a booking is needed to use a shuttle.
Pack your own supplies. Food, water, a packed lunch, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and weather-appropriate clothing are all on the bring list. The portable toilets on route are not stocked, so bring toilet paper as well.
Dress for four seasons. Be prepared for four seasons in one day. Bring a change of clothes, hiking pants, proper hiking shoes and a daypack to carry layers.
Footwear matters. Jeans, sandals, flip flops, high heels, skirts and bare feet are all listed as not allowed.
Cold drink and poles. The round trip from Turangi includes a post-hike cold drink and optional use of walking poles. The one-way option does not include the poles, so bring trekking gear if you want them on that version.
Charge your phone. A charged smartphone is on the what-to-bring list. Add a flashlight, personal medication and a first aid kit, since no safety kit is supplied with the shuttle.

Check availability →

Common issues. The shuttle needs a minimum of two passengers to run, and if seats or numbers are unavailable the operator either cannot operate or must change the booking time, in which case travellers get a full refund. This is transport only: no food, water, coffee, hiking boots, equipment hire or first aid kits are included. Weather on the crossing can shift through four seasons in a single day, and the track is genuinely challenging, so anyone without solid fitness or proper gear should think carefully before booking. Professional cameras, drones, bikes and pets are among the items not permitted.

Common Questions

Is Pickup Included?

Yes. The service picks up from many designated locations around Turangi, including motels, backpackers and the public toilets. Pickup options are available across the town.

What Is Included In The Price?

A friendly local driver, comfortable well-maintained vehicles, and either a round trip from Turangi or a one-way shuttle with all-day car parking. The round trip also includes a cold drink after the hike and optional use of walking poles.

Is Food Or Drink Provided?

No. Food, water and coffee are not included, apart from the cold drink on the round trip option after the hike.

Do I Need To Book Anything Else To Hike The Crossing?

DOC asks walkers to book the track free online, and a booking is needed to use a shuttle.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the operator cannot run the service or has to change your booking time because of seat availability or minimum numbers, travellers also get a full refund.

Is This Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

The track is challenging, with steep slopes, high altitudes, loose scoria and live volcanic terrain. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and electric wheelchairs are among the items not permitted. Anyone with doubts about fitness or mobility should check directly with Backyard Tours before booking.