Our Alpine Crossing Shuttle Services
Round Trips
With a return trip, we'll drop you off at the start of the crossing and pick you up at the end. This option is ideal for people who have set start and finish times. We pick you up in Turangi and drop you off at the beginning of the crossing.
Once you've completed your trail walk, the Alpine Crossing shuttle will pick you up at the end of the crossing trail shelter and provide you with a cold drink for your return trip back to Turangi.
5.30 am - 2.30 pm
* Traffic times may vary.
from $80.00
60 minutes - Mangatepopo
20 minutes - Turangi
Tongariro Alpine Crossing is delivered in partnership between DOC and Ngati Hikairo ki Tongariro of Ngati Tuwharetoa.
One-Way Trips
We'll drop you off in a shuttle from the only secure Ketetahi car park to Tongariro Crossing, and you’ll walk back to the parked car, which is great for those who want to spend more time exploring without time restrictions.
You can securely park your car at our exclusive, monitored car park, with check-in booking with Backyard Tours 15 minutes prior to departure.
Have ready your vehicle plate number and your DOC customer number on hand is essential.
Board any shuttle leaving from here to be dropped off at the start of the crossing Mangatepopo.
Once you've finished your hike, you walk 900m back to your parked vehicle at your convenience.
06.00 am
07.00 am
08.00 am
09.00 am
*Traffic times may vary.
from $60.00
30 minutes
Family and Group Shuttles
We offer specialised family packages and youth discounts. Our Tongariro & Ruapehu shuttle services to Tongariro crossing can accommodate groups of all sizes at competitive rates and with flexible arrangements. Contact us.
Upon confirmation of availability.
Contact us with group numbers & dates.
Upon confirmation of availability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Shuttle to Tongariro Crossing
IMPORTANT SAFETY FIRST INFORMATION - Know before you go
New Zealand's weather is unpredictable. Before you shuttle to Tongariro Alpine Crossing, check forecasts and expect four seasons in a day. We work closely with New Zealand's Department of Conservation & Mountain Safety Council and encourage you to follow their adventure outdoor safety code.
- Wear good quality hiking boots.
- Layer your clothes—avoid cotton. Thermals and fleeces are good choices, as they stay warm when wet.
- Water and windproof outerwear is essential.
- Take a warm hat and gloves even when it's hot—you don't want to be caught out by the weather.
- It's good to have spare toilet paper and hand sanitiser as they are not provided at the non-composting toilets along the Tongariro trail.
- Wear and pack high-factor sun protection.
- Your food and water intake will be higher—pack plenty of water to avoid dehydration and extra food with a high energy value.
- Pack a torch in case you return later than expected for hikes during daylight savings hours.
- Respect people, respect the land, and respect our environment for preservation. PleasePack in what you Pack out.
To get you there and back safely and efficiently, we offer reliable and affordable Tongariro Alpine Crossing transport from various starting points, with optional departure and return times to choose from. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure to maintain time schedules.At the end of your adventure, we'll be waiting to take you back to your car, completing the round trip.
While most parking in the region has a 4-hour limit, you can enjoy exclusive free all-day parking when you book a one-way Turangi shuttle to Tongariro Crossing.
A Department of Conservation Ranger will advise whether the crossing is safe and whether you should head back to the trail start or the trail end, depending on your location. Contact or inform your transport operator as soon as possible.
For direct bookings, a full refund is applicable if the trail closes or the weather changes before the hike. If the weather changes after starting the hike, there is no refund. If your booking is cancelled due to bad weather, you may move it to another suitable and available day.
Awards
"Thank you for supporting local business"
Please acknowledge our appreciation of 'Thanks to you' for travelling with us 'Backyard Tours' an approved Department of Conservation transport operator.
A portion of your transport cost contributes to the maintenance of the Tongariro National Park UNESCO first dual heritage National Park in the World.
Gift Cards
Give them an experience they’ll remember!
See More of Our Tongariro Shuttle Services
Explore our other Tongariro shuttle services
Travel to the Whakapapa Ski Fields without worrying about parking
Door-to-door shuttle to Tongariro Alpine Crossing from Taupō accommodation. Contact us.
Essential transport between crossing endpoints for hikers needing to collect their vehicles.
Tongariro Crossing One-Way Shuttle
Flexible single-direction transport for those with their own arrangements or onward travel plans.
