Tongariro National Park Tours
Tongariro Crossing Parking lot & Shuttle one way
5

Tongariro Crossing Parking lot & Shuttle one way

By Backyard Tours
Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 13-80
Duration: 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket


  • Tongariro Crossing parking lot & shuttle transfer
  • Local friendly commentary & naturally our local ‘Maōri blessings’ and acknowledgements
  • Free photography available from the social media pages
  • Tongariro Crossing Mangatepopo Rd trail start, Toilet facilities
What's not included
  • Hiking guide
  • Meals and drinks
  • Boots or Clothing
  • No Parking lot toilet facility & No rubbish bins. Parking lot only.


Start:Traveller pickup offered.
    Pickup details
    • IMPORTANT: Let us know your vehicle plate number asap, WhatsApp friendly. DO NOT Google Maps as you will be diverted away from the maunga mountains. Best directions coming from Turangi are to Turn off State Highway 1 onto SH46, Sign posted on right Tongariro Shuttle Car Park. Coming from National Park Village, turn off State Highway 4 onto SH47, turn off SH47 onto SH46, Sign posted on your left Tongariro Shuttle Car Park. Please inform us the night before if unsure of anything.
    Additional pickup options
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included pickup points.
    • 1310 Lake Rotoaira Road, Otukou 3382, New Zealand
    End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

      • Not wheelchair accessible
      If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 44645P3

      • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
      • Not recommended for travellers with back problems
      • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
      • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
      • 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.
      • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
      • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

      • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

      If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 44645P3

      From
      $60.00
      per adult
      Select date and travellers

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      About the operator
      Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
      • Backyard Tours
        177
        Turangi, New Zealand
        Joined in December 2016
      • celestial_magpie
        0 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        Amazing hike with a couple hiccups!
        The hike itself is amazing! We were lucky with some of the best weather of the season. The crossing is a challenge, mostly due to weather and length more than elevation gain. I shed cold layers to put on sun protection laters, so be sure to plan accordingly! I did it with poles, which proved to be really useful on the scree descent. Lovely varied landscape and fascinating geology! Note: it’s not mentioned in the itinerary, but you do have to register online that you’re doing the crossing. We completed it upon starting the trek, as there was a ranger checking confirmations. Why I docked a star: communication with the tour company wasn’t great. They checked in with me via text to confirm my reservation, but then gave confusing directions to a pickup spot. We were driving around in the dark and missed our shuttle - though the vibe was chill and we got on the next bus. Then at the trail end I called about the shuttle pickup, and was told we were to walk to our van at the parking lot since we were just shy of a kilometer away. This wasn’t the worst, but I did pay for round trip and a “celebratory drink” that never materialized either. All in all, really loved the hike itself and I can look past the minor inconveniences - do recommend.
        Written 9 February 2025
      • mattanderikar
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        More than just a shuttle ride!
        I highly recommend this shuttle company. Brendan and Gloria were prompt, professional, friendly, and so knowledgeable about the region. We loved learning more about the Māori culture and history of the region as we traveled to and from our hike. It was also extremely convenient to be picked up and dropped off right outside of our accommodation. Finally, the cold drink at the end of an amazing but long and challenging hike was such a thoughtful touch!
        Written 31 January 2025
      • X3309HBcharlief
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Absolutely amazing 🤩
        We booked the round trip for the 28th of January, our pickup time was 5:30 am from right outside our accommodation (river stone backpackers) Gloria (our driver) was there bang on time and welcomed us into a really comfy and clean van, we then went and picked up some other travellers and went on our way. All throughout the drive Gloria was telling us all about the area and history such as the battle between the warriors (volcanoes) and lots of other incredibly interesting info. She also briefed us about safety, things we should definitely have with us for the walk and how to best respect the area. After we had, had an amazing walk Gloria was there again waiting for us at the end with a lovely cold drink, we then went to visit a viewpoint and we all got back safe and sound. If staying in Turangi I would definitely go for Backyard Tours again!!! Thankyou so much Gloria
        Written 27 January 2025
      • tylab610
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        definitely would recommend
        we booked the round trip shuttle, Gloria arrived bang on time right outside our accommodation to take us to the crossing, she was so lovely to talk to and gave us a good briefing of what to expect during the hike which made me feel more prepared, aswell as educating us on the history and landscapes around us on the drive. Lastly she was waiting for us at the end of the walk with a lovely complementary cold drink for completing the crossing and then took us to an amazing look out point before taking us home safely!
        Written 27 January 2025
      • Navigator26093365906
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Best transport/tour provider for Alpine Crossing!
        Brendan from Backyard Tours was an amazing tour provider for our hike today! He was punctual and communicated throughout providing information for pick up service which made it easy and straight forward. He was friendly throughout our time with him and took time to explain Māori history and culture as well providing blessings for our safety before and after the hike. Being greeted with an ice cold L&P after a long day was the perfect ending! Thanks to Brendan and Backyard tours, couldn’t recommend you enough!
        Written 18 January 2025
      • taylorsK1331VJ
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great experience!
        Stellar service! Brendan is a fantastic host, very professional and friendly. Serves you a drink at the end of the tour which is MUCH needed. Kia ora!
        Written 13 January 2025
      • Reece A
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Amazing
        Amazing experience! Brendan our driving gave us facts on route to the start of the hike, and was very helpful with questions. The drink at the end was well needed, luckily we got given an extra one! Amazing driver and an amazing company!
        Written 24 December 2024
      • Brucer07
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        TAC shuttle - Top Notch!!
        Outstanding!! From the moment we first booked, to helping with changes we needed to make to our initial booking, to the day of our hike, the team at Backyard Tours were nothing short of fantastic! Sharing with everyone onboard the shuttle some of the local history, performing a Karakia before we left, and once again when we completed the hike, and the cold beer provided on our completion - outstanding!! Brendan and Gloria were awesome!!
        Written 18 November 2024
      • pawanjitghatora
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great service and experience
        Thanks a lot Brendan for driving us safely to and back from Whakapapa Ski Fields. Stopping for a morning scenery was a good surprise and the historic insights of various places you have provided was great. Thanks once again for making our experience amazing :)
        Written 31 August 2024
      • revuall
        0 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        Interesting to see the resort without snow
        We enjoyed the shuttle ride to Whakapapa ski fields as part of a summer/autumn trip through New Zealand. The landscape shaped by volcanic action was awesome to see without snow and would have some drawbacks for winter skiing I believe. However this is a review of our guided shuttle trip and the driver who was most informative about the whole region. Our ride finished back at the National Park railway station where we rejoined the Northern Explorer on our way to Wellington.
        Written 31 May 2024
      • 176peteq
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Fantastic service, great driver!
        Great service! Friendly and informative driver, shared a lot of information on the drive there and back, greeted us with a cold drink at the end, and gave us a Māori blessing before we started and at the finish. I would recommend this srvince to anyone!
        Written 9 March 2024
      • Srday1
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        First class service at a fair price
        I booked at really short notice for the early morning transfer to the Tongariro Crossing - was picked up right outside my door at exactly the time expected. Brendan the driver / owner of the business gave us interesting background information on the area en route. He was there to pick us up at the end exactly as planned - unexpected bonus was the free ice cold beer he offered to all on pickup… a very welcome bonus after a hot day on the crossing. Would highly recommend them to anyone who needs transport from the Turangi area.
        Written 8 March 2024
      • Sunshine67672468764
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great experience!
        Brendan was fantastic. My husband and I are slow walkers. Brendan ended up picking me up because I was late and my husband had to go back to the start. He was upbeat and was the best tour guide. The cold beer waiting for us was icing on the cake of an amazing day!
        Written 1 March 2024
      • F1393AFsteveh
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great experience
        Brendan is a legend. Friendly and informative and sticks to a timetable! Would definitely recommend using these folks next time.
        Written 15 February 2024
      • lauralN504VA
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Need a transfer? Look no further!
        Big thanks and 👏 to @backyard_tours for organizing my pick up with short notice, being absolutely friendly and on time, providing delicious refreshments at the end of the hike. The pick up at 5.30 was an early start but is the best option to leave the crowd behind and enjoy the walk and the views. Our driver Brendan was sharing information about the surroundings and made our ride to the Crossing fun and enjoyable. The company is flexible with the pick up at the end of the hike, and you will notify them at a certain point so they can arrange your transportation in a timely manner. The Māori prayers at the start and end of the trip were a beautiful touch to remind ourselves to respect the powerful Mother Nature and honor our ancestors.
        Written 7 February 2024
      See all 177 reviews
      These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

      Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


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      5.0
      5.0 of 5 bubbles26 reviews
      Excellent
      24
      Very good
      1
      Average
      0
      Poor
      1
      Terrible
      0

      wozzamim
      Auckland6 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jul 2020
      Fantastic transfer company - picked us up directly from our bach door and even personalised our time for pick up at Whakapapa based on the changes to weather. The combo package with Turangi Ski hire to get our gear made this trip to the snow easy and took all the stress out of it. Highly recommend both companies and the fact that you get a discount with both of them was super!
      Written 16 July 2020
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you for travelling with us Backyard Tours! We appreciate your review and taking advantage of the combo package making your stay in Turangi the one stop shop. Great to hear we contributed to your stress-less snow experience. Take care and all best from us here in Turangi #loveturangi #lbackyardtours
      Written 17 July 2020
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Matthew G
      8 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nov 2023 • Friends
      Brendan was absolutely excellent. I was picked up really promptly from my hostel in Turangi at 5:30am. On the journey to the start, he gave a traditional acknowledgement of his ancestors and also pointed out several landmarks. The instructions on where to meet him at the end (I was booked on the return shuttle) were really clear and it all worked smoothly. To top it all off, he handed us an ice cold beer for our journey back to Turangi. Would really recommend booking with Backyard Tours!
      Written 22 November 2023
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you so much for your great review received warmly. Really appreciated from us Backyard Tours
      Written 22 November 2023
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Susan Hsu
      Auckland Central, New Zealand5 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jul 2021 • Family
      The door to door service from National park village-Whakapapa ski resort is highly recommended.Thank you for sharing info about your area and experienced transportation service.Will recommend to family and friends who need it in the future! Cheers
      Written 14 July 2021
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you Susan for your great review. Excellent to hear your recommendation of our small family transport business. Take care, from us Gloria and Brendan Backyard Tours transport services.
      Written 15 July 2021
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Tennyson H
      1 contribution
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Feb 2024 • Couples
      Didn't even book a tour with this company. We just finished the Tongariro crossing and were walking back to our car park and one of the shuttle drivers (I believe his name was Brendan the legend!) stopped to give us a lift back to the main road. Absolute legend. 10/10, 5 stars, highly recommend!
      Written 28 February 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you for your great review. We appreciate your acknowledgement to Brendans kindest and caring of manaakitanga.
      Written 2 March 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Matt L
      Austin, TX62 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jan 2024 • Family
      Everything worked exactly as advertised. The car park was very organized. Everything was professional. Check in was quick, parking was plentiful, the shuttle ride was comfortable enough.

      At the end of the trail, many people were waiting for their shuttles. We just walked to our car.

      The walk back to the car was obvious and took less than 20 minutes at comfortable down hill grade. But, it was a little dusty. It was nice, on our return, to buy a milk shake at the trailer just outside the lot.
      Written 25 January 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you Matt for your great feedback! The little things right. Enjoy and safe further travels.
      Written 27 January 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      EJ Kleinveld
      3 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jul 2020 • Family
      Thank you for your exceptional service and telling us about your area and your family roots. Also had a very interesting and informative ride back to Turangi.

      You guys are really customer focus with a nice touch of bringing the hightlight to Turangi and your proud heritage.

      The door to door service from Turangi-Whakapapa is highly recommended.
      Written 17 July 2020
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you Kleinveld family for your great review! We appreciate your acknowledgements of our customer services whilst on your driven journey route. Take care all the best from us Backyard Tours.
      Written 18 July 2020
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Chris L
      1 contribution
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jan 2025 • Couples
      I cannot fault the service we received from these guys. Everything went to plan and was on time. Simple basic information and advice without having too much pushed down your throat. Nice and relaxed service. Its definitely the way to go getting them to take you to the start then walking back to your car. The walk can be tough for some in places and can be tricky getting up to the summit if its wet for sure. Do not attempt it if you are not sure on your feet. The scree slopes on the way down need great care also. Highly recommended, this was the highlight of our stay in North Island.
      Written 26 January 2025
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you for your amazing review! We appreciate your feedback, thank you.
      Written 27 January 2025
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Tai L
      1 contribution
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jul 2023 • Family
      Awesome customer service!! Brendan was not only very friendly & polite but a great tour guide along the way! Knew a whole lot about the area & made the experience a lil extra exciting! Would definitely recommend!
      Written 16 November 2023
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you for your great 5 star review! We appreciate your awesome customer service feedback. Kind regards, Backyard Tours
      Written 16 November 2023
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Coastal824219
      Auckland, New Zealand1 contribution
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nov 2024 • Family
      Very well organised by Gloria and Brendan was excellent driver/guide, cold L&P at the end of our hike was awesome, thank you
      Written 23 December 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Thank you for your amazing review! We appreciate your awesome feedback. Happy & safe festive holiday season from us Backyard Tours Brendan & Gloria :-)
      Written 25 December 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Navigator14181262919
      2 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Mar 2024 • Solo
      I really appreciated that the company reached out to me a few days early to organize the pickup location and they kept me updated on weather conditions as the Friday hike got cancelled and pushed to the Saturday. What I found very unprofessional, was that when I confirmed my 6:30am pickup, I was told to be there at 5:20. So I showed up 15 minutes early (5:05) as requested but no one came to pick me up until 6:30. It was super cold, no one answered texts, calls and email, I was wondering if there was service that day or they had forgotten me. Mistakes happen, but not acknowledging it or apologizing is just unprofessional in my opinion. I paid twice the money as I was alone but there was a minimum purchase of two persons. For me, the experience was NOT worth that much money.
      Written 27 April 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hi Julie-Anne, our trips are a minimum of two, you booked yourself and a youth so the trip for yourself at that time would go ahead. Closer to date others had booked so therefore you have received a refund of the youth. This process is not usually how it works as would of booked for 2 adults at least to operate for feasibility. Your email of booking confirmation states pick up 6.30 am. My apologies for the text message of 5.20 am as was in pre-daylight savings of thought at the time, as asking you how old the youth was and there was none was only you, threw me off thought, not had that happen before. Then my phone went flat overnight before I realized hadn't recharged it like I normally do every other night! Totally off my game, my bad. We did get to pick you and the others up for an earlier return, and had free drinks available. The driver had no idea what had happened, a little communication and he would of acknowledge you with an apology for you waiting earlier in the morning than the email. Way too early 5.20am this time of season. You did receive services as per normal with our Cultural insights, and places of interests on journey. Was only my mis-hap that happened to you only and no-one else onboard for 6.30am. Any hhooo appreciate the feedback and 2 star. You have a great holiday and safe travels.
      Written 29 April 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Showing results 1-10 of 26
      *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

      Tongariro Crossing Parking lot & Shuttle one way provided by Backyard Tours

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