Return Shuttle From Ohakune

Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Return shuttle from Ohakune

★ 4.8 19 reviews

from $62 per person

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Duration: 1 day
Meeting point: Ohakune
Cancellation: Free cancellation, full refund if you cancel in time
Run by: Dempsey Buses

Overview

Dempsey Buses Ltd runs this round-trip shuttle from Ohakune, dropping hikers at the Mangatepopo end of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the morning and collecting them from Ketetahi in the afternoon. The product covers transport, a safety briefing before you set off, and the operator's listed park fees. Several return times are offered in the afternoon, so walkers who finish early or need longer on the track both have options.

The crossing takes about seven to eight hours on foot from November to April and about nine from May to October, across a landscape shaped by past volcanic activity. The route passes the Emerald Lakes and Blue Lake, along with a range of craters and vents in varied shapes and colours. Some of the climbs are demanding, and the operator is blunt about who the trip is not for: children under six, pregnant women, and people with mobility impairments are not accepted.

Vehicles are modern, air-conditioned, fitted with seat belts, and low-emission, and the drivers are fully trained. The package suits anyone staying in Ohakune who wants the transport side of the crossing handled. You bring your own food, water, and gear; the kit list covers a sun hat, sunscreen, rain gear, packed lunch, and weather-appropriate clothing.

What's Included

Included

Transport to the start (Mangatepopo) and pickup from the finish (Ketetahi) from Ohakune
Safety briefing, multiple return times

Not Included

Children under 6 years old
Pregnant Women
People with mobility impairments

Where this tour sits among 4 tours in Shuttles From Taupo, Turangi And Ohakune listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Shuttle Transfers, 8 to 10 Hours$42
Round Trip From Turangi$51.60
Return Shuttle From Ohakune (this tour)$62
Taupo Return Shuttle, 10 Hours$80.27

Itinerary

Morning pickup in OhakuneThe shuttle collects walkers from Ohakune for an early start, and a safety briefing is given before the walk.
Transfer to MangatepopoThe bus drives walkers to the Mangatepopo end of the crossing, the start point of the track.
Hike the crossingWalk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing at your own pace, taking in the Emerald Lakes and Blue Lake and the park's volcanic craters.
Afternoon pickup at KetetahiMeet the return shuttle at the Ketetahi end in the afternoon, with multiple return times available.
Return to OhakuneThe bus brings walkers back to Ohakune, closing out the round trip.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to prepare for before booking this shuttle.

Lake Taupo shoreline at dawn, a departure point for Crossing shuttles.

Fitness and pace. Some climbs will challenge you. You need to manage your own timing on the track against the afternoon pickup.
Food and drink. Nothing to eat or drink is provided. Bring water, food, and a packed lunch to cover the full day on the track.
Clothing and gear. The kit list is specific: sun hat, sunscreen, rain gear, and weather-appropriate clothing. Footwear matters too, as sandals, flip flops, high heels, and bare feet are not allowed.
Weather window. Rain gear is on the packing list, and so are sun protection items like a hat and sunscreen. The kit list covers both wet and sunny conditions, so pack for both.
Return timing. Multiple afternoon return times operate from Ketetahi. Pick one that matches your walking speed so you are not rushing the final section.
Riding rules. No smoking in the vehicle, no pets, no bikes, and shoes come off indoors. Drones are also not allowed, and littering and swimming are prohibited.

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Common issues. The exclusions are worth reading before booking: children under six, pregnant women, and people with mobility impairments cannot join. The shuttle handles transport only, so food, water, and hiking gear are all on you. Because the return is a fixed afternoon service with set times, slower walkers should pick the latest option or pace themselves accordingly.

Common Questions

What Does The Shuttle Include?

Round-trip transport from Ohakune, with a drop-off at Mangatepopo to start and pickup at Ketetahi to finish. A safety briefing, multiple afternoon return times, and the operator's listed park fees are also included.

Where Does The Shuttle Pick Up?

Pickup is in Ohakune, in the morning, with the return collection from Ketetahi in the afternoon.

Is Food Or Entry To The Park Extra?

the operator's listed park fees are included in the price. Food and drink are not provided, so bring water, snacks, and a packed lunch.

Can Children Or People With Limited Mobility Join?

No. Children under six are not accepted, and pregnant women and people with mobility impairments are also excluded. The crossing is an alpine hike with demanding climbs, which explains those limits.

What Should I Bring?

Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, water, food, a packed lunch, rain gear, and weather-appropriate clothing. Proper footwear is required; sandals, flip flops, high heels, and bare feet are not allowed.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.