Private Tour
Tongariro Crossing Secure Parking & Shuttle one way
Overview
30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Welcome to the heart of Tongariro National Park amongst our taonga treasured Volcanic Maunga Mountains Pihanga, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu like nowhere else in the World. On Journey enjoy our learnings about Manaakitanga – caring & safety of visitors and Kaitiakitanga – guardianship to preserving life.
Locals of Maōri descent born and raised in Turangi Tongariro providing a niche transport service to Aotearoa New Zealand’s known best one day adventure hike to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with award winning experienced local transport services.
Highly recommended from Visitor’s. Ensured safety and experience from our destination Lake Rotoaira Turangi, World famously known for trout fishing, hiking, river rafting, geothermal hot pools, stays and a quint friendly environment. Shuttles & transfers are self-guided hiking and naturally has our Maōri blessings, and FREE safety photography via social media. UNESCO Department of Conservation Transport Operator Approved.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
If you have any medical concerns please seek advice from a legal Practitioner before attempting any ‘outdoor’ activities. Participation is at your own risk and therefore no further liability will be made towards the transport operator or the vehicle parking operator.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
IMPORTANT: We need your vehicle plate number asap! WhatsApp friendly. Your day begins with our shuttle & transfer services where you are picked up from the only Tongariro Crossing Carpark without restrictions dependent on which departure time you choose. To compliment your already research of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing awareness and preparedness before coming with us the locals, we’ll also share our knowledge, culture and stories along the journey. All this information whilst you are driven to the heart of the Tongariro National Park, Aotearoa New Zealand’s known best one-day hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. On transfer to the beginning of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track at Mangatepopo Road which will take around 30-40 minutes. You're journey naturally experiences our ‘Maōri blessings’ where everyone gathers together. A speech in Maōri is given with acknowledgements and respect which is then explained in English approximately 5-minutes in total. After the korero speech in Maōri, and English, there will then be a team photo, first one for safety, second one for fun! This photo is available free from the social media pages and website. Self hiking tip when descending down from off the mountain or just to help to take that little extra pressure off your legs suggest usage of walking poles (not inclusive). In the afternoon when you finish the Tongariro Crossing trail end platform of Ketetahi, from here it’s only another 900 metres walk downhill to your parked vehicle in the parking lot. Parking for your all day convenience and leisure to hike the Tongariro Crossing without time restraints. IMPORTANT SAFETY FIRST INFORMATION - Know before you go New Zealand’s weather is unpredictable. Always check forecasts and expect four seasons in a day. We work closely with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation Weather Forecasts & Mountain Safety Council to encourage you and to follow their adventure outdoor safety code. • Wear good quality hiking boots • Layer your clothes - avoid cotton - thermal and fleeces are a good choice 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 • Good to have spare toilet paper and hand sanitizer as 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 • During daylight savings hours, make sure you pack a torch in case you return later than expected • Respect people, respect the land, and respect our environment, for preservation. Please Pack in what you Pack out
What‘s Included
Local friendly commentary & naturally our local ‘Maōri blessings’ and acknowledgements
Tongariro Crossing Mangatepopo Rd trail start, Toilet facilities
Free photography available from the social media pages
Tongariro Crossing parking lot & shuttle transfer
Hiking guide
Meals and drinks
Boots or Clothing
No Parking lot toilet facility & No rubbish bins. Parking lot only.
Options
Tongariro secure park & ride
Secure Park & Shuttle transfer: Vehicle parking lot without restrictions.
Shuttle transfer to trail start
Hiking at own leisure.
Duration: 30 minutes: Shuttle transfer from the only Tongariro Crossing Secure parking lot to the Tongariro Crossing trail start Mangatepopo Road.
Vehicles: 24 seats Shuttle bus & 9 seats Shuttle van
4WD & Chains accessibility.
Pickup included
Reviews
45 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The people were friendly and on time
Z1543JGjustineg,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The shuttles actually left ahead of schedule (when they were full) so it was great to get a bit of a head start to the climb. The check-in staff were very nice and welcoming and the driver was lovely to chat with on the way to the mauna. The only reason it’s not a 5 star is because in my mind “secure” means there’s a person at the lot supervising the cars during the day. Got back to my car, office was closed and no one was there. Only thing that made it “secure” beyond a person being present is a security camera. Luckily my car was okay but there’s really no one to stop others from just wandering in there.
Good help to carry out tongariro alpine crossing
AlexLund L,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience and only moderate strabaserend to complete the trek. Fantastic views and beautiful lakes.
Backyard tours,were...
Megan T,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Backyard tours,were fantastic,they amended my shuttle date and also the time at short notice from me, even replying to my request after 9pm the evening before - thanks so much to Gloria especially. I would highly recommend them!!
Lots of transport,...
James R,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lots of transport, arrived early and got straight on to a bus, they drive the gravel road part, drop off and able to walk at our own pace along route to our car. Pricey? But hope it is going to local people providing a service, and protects park from too much traffic.
The shuttle bus for the...
Sarah J,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The shuttle bus for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing makes getting there and back to the car way more relaxed. You can do the entire hike without bothering about getting back to your car. We even got a Māori blessing at the end of the hike.
Thank you Brandon
Fleur v,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Up front everything was very clear and well arranged. The carpark feels safe and is only 10 min walk from the endpoint of the hike. Brandon, our driver, has an amazing energy, kind, left on time (so don't come late) and gave some information about the area on the way to the starting point too.
Tongariro Crossing parking
A2663KHericr,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super welcome, respect for schedules and perfect security of vehicles. The walk is superb, you have to count for a good walker 5h30.
Hassle free experience
Neil F,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Hassle free transfer and pick up. Our driver Brendan gave us some background en route. We started the walk 25 minutes after leaving the pickup car park
The description clearly...
Ben S,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00The description clearly stated this was a two-way shuttle. After finishing the Tongariro Crossing, there was a Backyard Tours shuttle waiting in the small car park at the end of the trail. We approached the driver and asked for a ride back to our car, as our booking stated that return transport would be provided at any time. He refused and told us we could enjoy a “bonus walk” instead. I found this extremely unprofessional and misleading given the way the service was advertised. I would strongly recommend booking with another company.
Backyard Tours will look after you
M1332VWkevins,,Apr 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Turangi Leisure lodge recommended "Backyard Tours" and they were on the money. A great experience! Gloria is charming and well informed.
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