Shuttles & Transfer Know before you go

Shuttles & Transfer options:

Simply click on 'Taupō' to change the location for update weather reports. 
Then click on the top navigation bar 'Mountains & Parks' for 'Tongariro'. 
Your Safety is Paramount.

" People also ask "

​We care for you our visitor and want you to be safe and have an enjoyable experience whilst preserving the sacred environment that has been gifted to all people.

​The following questions that most "people also ask" is to inform you and to make decision before you go into the outdoors.
Take Care, Be Well, Be Safe and Be Kind.
WHERE IS THE trail START OF THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING?
​Mangatepopo platform is the trail start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
​WHERE IS THE trail END OF THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING?
​Ketetahi Carpark on State Highway 46 Lake Rotoaira is the trail end of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
​DO YOU PROVIDE ROUND TRIP TRANSPORT AND IF SO, WHERE FROM?
​Backyard Tours round trip pick up is from your Turangi place of stay, upon booking online see drop down menu, or inform us.
​Backyard Tours round trip pick up is from your Turangi place of stay, upon booking online see drop down menu, or inform us.
​Backyard Tours is an exclusive transport operator to pick up from the Secure Ketetahi Carpark State Highway 46 Lake Rotoaira.
HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE FROM TURANGI TO THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING START?
​Approximately 45 to 60 minutes - allowance for delays due to people, traffic, weather, or road conditions.
HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE FROM THE KETETAHI SECURE CARPARK ONE WAY TO THE START?
​Approximately 30 minutes - allowance for delays due to people, traffic, weather, or road conditions.
HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE IN THE AFTERNOON FROM THE END OF THE CROSSING TO TURANGI?
​Approximately 20 minutes - allowance for delays due to people, traffic, weather, or road conditions.
TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS DO YOU HAVE AN AGE LIMIT?
​Children requiring child restraints must be supplied by the parent/guardian.  (Charges are per seat per passenger).
DO YOU PROVIDE ANY HIRE EQUIPMENT?
​No. You are responsible to being prepared and aware when attempting any outdoor activity at your own risk. Transport is our priority.
WHAT IF I AM LATE OR MISS MY ROUND TRIP TRANSPORT BACK TO TURANGI?
​We brief you safety and give our contact details where you can message or call us at signal receiving areas. Communication is KEY.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE TIME TO DO THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING HIKE?
​Approximately 6 - 8 hours. If you think you need more time we highly recommend to start earliest to finish in time for the last transport.
WHAT DO I NEED TO TAKE FOR THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING?
A cell phone or personal locator beacon is safety ready! Take sufficient supplies of Food & Water, 1st Aid Kit, Extra Clothing (NO denim jeans), Sunscreen, Wet weather gear, Sturdy footwear, Headlamp and your own Toilet paper). Please what you 'pack in' YOU 'pack out'.  Keep environmentally friendly.  Tip: You can take layers off but cannot put layers on if you do not have any.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WEATHER TURNS BAD WHILST DOING THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING?
​You will be advised by a Department of Conservation Ranger your Safety First, and to head back either to the trail start or the trail end depending on your point of location.  Either option contact or inform your transport operator as soon as possible.
IS THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING SUITABLE FOR ANYONE TO HIKE?
​If any medical concerns do seek legal practitioner advice.  Must have a moderate level of health, and fitness.  If you have any allergies or breathing respirations must have medical remedy with you!  Remember height elevations are above sea levels up to 1886m.
CAN I GO OFF TRACK AND HIKE THE OTHER MOUNTAIN SUMMITS?
No. It is respect to scared preservation and for your safety to remain on track. Time is a major factor when outdoors please think wisely.
CAN I HIKE BY MYSELF TO DO THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING?
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is enjoyed by self-hiking as the trail is well marked and you are not alone, everyone is going the same way.  Guided is a choice and is highly recommended in the season of winter.
WHEN BAD WEATHER AND MY BOOKING IS CANCELLED WILL I GET A REFUND?
​Yes. Direct bookings a full refund is applicable. If the weather changes after starting the hike there is no refund.  If cancelled due to bad advised weather you may move your booking to another day suitable and available.
CAN I TOUCH THE CRATER LAKE WATERS?
​No.  Respect for preservation and the elimination of water contamination that can be transferred from what is on the hands or feet wear.
ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING TRAIL?
​Yes. Environmental Toilets are at the trail start, trail end, and placed appropriately respectfully along the trail. Take your own toilet paper. 
IS THERE A COST TO DOING THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING?
​The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is FREE to hike, enjoy and respectfully preserve.  There is a cost for transport operators due to financial commercial business operations in the Tongariro National Park through the management of the Department of Conservation.  A portion of your transport costs contributes to the maintenance of the Park for your enjoyment and future preservation. Appreciation and Thank you!
CAN I TAKE MY DRONE, MY DOG, MY PORTABLE MUSIC SPEAKERS, MY BIKE, MY BOOGIE BOARD?
​No. Please be respectful you are in an UNESCO World's First Dual Heritage National Park that is a gift for all to enjoy, and respectfully preserve, especially its wildlife.  Seek professional advice from the Department of Conservation. 
WHAT IF I CAN NOT COMPLETE THE FULL TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING TRAIL?
Safety is Paramount. Signage along the trail will advise you of your limits of challenge to either carry on or turn back to the trail start. Please inform your transport operator if you turn back. Please have patience for this turn around drive time.
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