Taupo to Tongariro Alpine Crossing shuttle: Hike start and return

Get to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trailhead without driving yourself

A return shuttle from Taupo to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes you from your accommodation to Mangatepopo car park for an 8-hour hike, then collects you at Ketetahi car park at day's end and returns you to Taupo by 5pm. Pickup and drop-off at your Taupo location are included. Children from age 10 are welcome. Map and information sheet provided.

The experience

Staying in Taupo without a rental car means the shuttle is your only way to reach the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trailhead. You're picked up from your accommodation and driven to Mangatepopo car park, arriving at the track start around 7am. The driver drops you with a map and information sheet, then you hike the full crossing at your own pace for approximately 8 hours.

At 3:30pm, the shuttle meets you at Ketetahi car park, the end of the track. You rest in the seating areas there while the driver collects hikers, then the van returns everyone to Taupo, with drop-off at your original location by around 5pm. Be waiting outside your pickup point 10 minutes before departure time in the morning. The timing is fixed to get you on the trail early and off it before dark.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from your Taupo accommodation.
• map and information sheet for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:15

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (10 to 16 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 24

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Tongariro Expeditions

Is this one for you?Book this shuttle if you're staying in Taupo without a rental car and want to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on a fixed schedule. The early 7am start gets you on the trail before crowds, and the 3:30pm collection gives you the full day to hike at your own pace without rushing back to a vehicle.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 16 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the shuttle pick me up from my Taupo accommodation?

The shuttle picks you up early enough to reach Mangatepopo car park and the track start around 7am. You must be waiting outside your location 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

What happens at the end of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike?

The shuttle collects hikers at Ketetahi car park at 3:30pm. Rest in the seating areas provided while the driver gathers everyone, then the van takes you back to Taupo with drop-off at your original location by approximately 5pm.

Is the shuttle included in the price, or do I pay separately for transport?

Pickup and drop-off from your Taupo accommodation are included in the booking. A map and information sheet for the crossing are also provided.