Round Trip From Turangi

Tongariro Crossing Round trip transfer from Turangi

★ 4.9 76 reviews

from $51.60 per person

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Meeting point: Turangi
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Backyard Tours

Overview

This is a shuttle service, not a guided walk. Backyard Tours picks you up in Turangi before dawn, drives you to the Mangatepopo end of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, then collects you at the Ketetahi end in the afternoon and returns you to Turangi. The crossing in between is done on your own two feet. Travellers are asked to be waiting outside their pickup point at 5.20am for a 5.30am departure, and the afternoon return is set for 2.30pm.

Along the way the driver gives local commentary, history of the area, and a Maori blessing at the start and finish of the walk. Walking poles are free to use, and there is a cold drink waiting at the end, with several travellers mentioning the beer in particular. This suits people staying in Turangi who want a reliable, punctual ride and are happy to do the crossing independently, at their own pace, without a hiking guide. It is not the right fit for anyone who cannot manage a demanding alpine walk. The service is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travellers with back problems.

Communication gets frequent praise. One reviewer described the operator suggesting an earlier departure to avoid a thunderstorm, and another reported being collected from their Airbnb address in Turangi. A late fee applies if you miss the 2.30pm return, so the fixed schedule matters.

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 (this tour)$51.60
Return Shuttle From Ohakune$62
Taupo Return Shuttle, 10 Hours$80.27

What's Included

Included

Transport transfer round trip from Turangi
Local friendly commentary
Free photography available from the social media pages
Free usage of walking poles
Free celebratory cold drink at the end

Not Included

Hiking guide
Meals and drinks
Boots or Clothing

Itinerary

Turangi pickupWait outside your pickup point by 5.20am; the bus departs Turangi at 5.30am sharp.
Drive to MangatepopoA transfer with local commentary, history and a Maori blessing before you set off.
The crossing, self guidedYou walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from Mangatepopo Road to the Ketetahi trail end at your own pace. No hiking guide is included.
Afternoon pickupThe return shuttle is set for 2.30pm from Ketetahi.
Back to TurangiThe activity ends back at the meeting point, with a celebratory cold drink handed out at the end of the walk. A late fee applies if you miss the scheduled return.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points before you book, drawn from what travellers say about this shuttle.

A day pack, water bottle, wool beanie, gloves, rain jacket and hiking boots laid out on a flat rock at a trailhead.

Dress warm. Boots and clothing are not included, so bring your own gear.
Fitness needed. You need a moderate fitness level, and several travellers call the crossing demanding but doable with preparation. One traveller noted the trail is well maintained with toilets along the route.
Bring food. Meals and drinks are not included. Pack your own lunch and water for the walk; the complimentary cold drink only comes at the end.
Fixed schedule. There is one return time, 2.30pm, and a late fee if you miss it. Consider the one way transfer the operator suggests if you want to walk at your own pace.
Local touches. Reviewers often mention the driver's commentary, the karakia or Maori blessing, and free walking poles. Photos from the trip are available from the operator's social media pages afterwards.
Weather calls. The experience requires good weather. One reviewer reported the operator shifting their departure earlier to dodge a storm, which suggests it is worth watching messages before the day.

Check availability →

Common issues. The main constraint is the single 2.30pm return with a late fee attached. The shuttle is not wheelchair accessible, is not recommended for travellers with back problems, and excludes anyone with serious heart or medical conditions. Weather can force cancellation, in which case a different date or a full refund is offered, and the service can also be cancelled if a minimum number of travellers is not met. No guide, meals or boots are included, so this is transport plus commentary rather than a supported trek.

Common Questions

Is A Hiking Guide Included?

No. A hiking guide is not included. You get round trip transport from Turangi, commentary during the drive, a Maori blessing, free walking poles and a cold drink at the end. The crossing itself is walked unguided.

Where Does The Shuttle Pick Me Up?

The meeting point is Backyard Tours, 4/259 Te Rangitautahanga Road, Turangi. One reviewer reported being collected from their Airbnb address in Turangi on the dawn run. Be waiting outside by 5.20am for the 5.30am departure.

What Time Do We Return?

The scheduled afternoon return is 2.30pm from the Ketetahi end. A late fee applies if you are not there on time. The operator also offers a one way transfer if you prefer your own pace.

Is Food Or Gear Provided?

Meals, drinks, boots and clothing are all excluded, so bring your own. The only consumable provided is a celebratory cold drink at the end of the walk, and reviewers mention beer as an option.

Can Anyone Join This Transfer?

The shuttle excludes wheelchair users, people with back problems, and travellers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions, and anyone with medical concerns should seek advice first. A moderate level of physical fitness is expected for the crossing.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours there is no refund and no changes are accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum number of travellers is not met, you are offered a different date or a full refund.