Mount Ruapehu & Mt Tongariro Shuttles
Secure reliable, affordable Tongariro shuttles to and from various locations around the Taupō region. Book your shuttle service now and enjoy the raw natural beauty of the Tongariro crossing.
Our Shuttle Services
Explore all that Mount Tongariro and Mt Ruapehu have to offer with our local shuttle service, which safely takes you from A to B.
Tongariro Crossing Transfers
Book a Tongariro Crossing one-way shuttle or a return trip, explore the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and experience one of the great walks over New Zealand’s largest volcano in the summer. Our Tongariro Crossing transfers get you to the trailhead, refreshed and ready for adventure, before returning you safely to your accommodation after your epic journey.
Ruapehu Whakapapa Ski Fields
Hit the slopes at North Island's largest ski area with hassle-free transport directly from your accommodation using a Waimarino National Park to Whakapapa shuttle. Our experienced shuttle drivers take care of the logistics so you can explore the mountain in winter, carving up the pristine powder on the slopes of an active volcano.
Ketetahi Car Park to Mangatepopo Shuttle
Want the best Tongariro Alpine Crossing shuttle near Tūrangi with secure all-day parking at the Ketetahi end? Leave your vehicle in our monitored all-day car park at Ketetahi, then jump on our one-way Tongariro shuttle to the Mangatepopo trailhead to start the Crossing. When you come off the track, your car is right where you left it, with no pickup time to rush for.
Shuttles leave for Mangatepopo every morning at:
- 6 am
- 7 am
- 8 am
- 9 am
Create Your Own Trip
Whether you need a Taupō to Tongariro shuttle or a more unique trip, we can work with you to create a customised Tongariro shuttle service. You can get shuttle transfers from the airport, book a Ketetahi car park to Mangatepopo shuttle, or drive around to explore the region. Call us to discuss your plans and make your own trip.
Why Choose Our Mt Ruapehu and Tongariro Shuttle Service?
An Experienced Local Team
As an approved DOC transport operator with 12+ years navigating the region, we know every trail condition, weather pattern, and hidden gem this beautiful area has. We've safely taken countless adventurers on Tongariro Alpine Crossing shuttles and back to their accommodations, providing cold drinks for return trips and ensuring a personalised experience.
Get Authentic Māori Cultural Insights
Experience authentic manaakitanga (hospitality) with our Māori-owned Tongariro shuttle service. We share traditional karakia (blessings), cultural stories, and the deep spiritual connection between our people and this sacred landscape. Among Tongariro Alpine Crossing transport operators in New Zealand, we are popular for sharing Māori stories on the drive, and it’s one of the things guests mention most in their reviews.
Full Refund or Rebooking for Weather Closures
Mountain weather changes fast, which is why we’re one of the top transport operators for the Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand that refund when weather closes the track.
In winter, we’re also a Whakapapa ski field shuttle on Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand, that refunds if the mountain closes. So whenever DOC closes the Crossing, or Whakapapa closes for the day, you’ll get a full refund or can rebook for another date.
Award-winning services
Consistently praised for professionalism, warmth, flexibility, and local expertise. Offering more than just shuttle transport-they create meaningful, safe, and culturally rich experiences around Tongariro and Ruapehu.
About Us
Searching for Māori-owned shuttle operators in New Zealand that run trips to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Whakapapa? Backyard Tours is Māori-owned and operated, and we run shuttles to both, from the Crossing trailheads to the slopes of Mt Ruapehu.
Whether you are hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the summer or enjoying snow activities at the Whakapapa Ski Fields in winter, we’ll get you to and from the access points safely and efficiently. If you’d like to explore the region in your own way, we can also create a custom trip for you.
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Book a Shuttle with Backyard Tours Today
Ready to explore the stunning Tongariro region? Choose Backyard Tours for competitive Tongariro shuttle pricing, starting from just $78 for one-way transfers and $90 for round-trip service. We also have family packages and youth discounts available to make adventure accessible to everyone.
With over a decade of local expertise, authentic Māori cultural insights, and our commitment to customer satisfaction, choose Backyard Tours for Tongariro Crossing transfers that make your adventure even more meaningful.
