Often described as one of the best day hikes in New Zealand, this tour provides an opportunity to experience some of the most scenic and active volcanic areas of the park. It takes 6-8 hours to do the main track. The extra optional side summit of Mt Ngauruhoe is 2 hours and Mt Tongariro is 1.5 hours.
The track winds up the Mangatepopo Valley to the saddle between Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. It climbs to the Red Crater, then drops down to the vivid Emerald lakes. After passing the Blue Lake, the track descends around the northern slope of Tongariro, then descends further in a zig-zag to the Ketetahi Hut. From the hut, the track continues down the mountain through tussock plains, then into the native forest to the end of the track.
There are a range of different transport options available to you. If you are staying in Taupo or Turangi there is a return shuttle service to your hotel and back. If you are just outside of these areas you can get a return shuttle from an i-SITE in in Taupo or Turangi. Hire gear is available on the bus in the morning.
Choose the Base Camp option if you wish to be picked up from our Base Camp and returned there after the hike. Base Camp is a secure car park in front of the Tongariro Holiday Park. Hire gear available in the bus.
Choose the Ketetahi option if you wish to be more independent. With this option, youll drive your car to the end of the track where we will meet you. From here we will take you to the beginning of the track where you can hike the entire track back to your car. This option allows you as much time as you want on the hike, however, gear is not available for hire.
Regardless of which option you choose, a map and information sheet will be provided to you to help you plan and prepare for your day. It will outline safety considerations and help remind you to look after the beautiful National Park during your hike.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing Shuttle Options - Tongariro National Park
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Tour Information
Key Details
- Mobile Voucher Accepted
- Hotel pickup Available
- Free Cancellation
- Instant Confirmation
- Lowest Price Guaranteed
- Duration: 8 Hrs
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Language:
English
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Departure Time :
All pick up times need to be confirmed the day prior by calling our office 07 3770435, Taupo 5:30am or 6:20am, Turangi 6:15am or 7:10am, Base Camp 6:45am or 7:45am, Ketetahi 6:30am, 7:30am, 8.30am, Tr.. read more
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Departure Details :
Tongariro National Park, Tongariro National Park, Manawatu-Wanganui Region, North Island
Traveler pickup is offered
Pick up from Taupo, Turangi, Tongariro Holiday Park and Ketetahi Park N Ride. .. read more -
Return Details :
Returns to original departure point
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Cancellation Policy : For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.
Overview
Described as one of the best day hikes, this tour will provide you with the opportunity to experience some of the most scenic and active volcanic areas of the park. Reliable and flexible shuttle options are available to meet the needs of all hikers. A map and information sheet is given out in the morning to prepare you for your day ahead. An extensive hire gear range ensures that you are ready for the alpine environment and experienced staff make sure you are aware of the current forecast and track information.In winter guided options are available. Track safety offers a mid-season accompanied hike that includes gear and transport. A staff member also goes up with yourtrack safety group to monitor track and weather conditions. The fully guided option offers a guide per 8-10, gear and transport. The mountain snow track conditions dictate which option is offered. When you call the day before, you can be upgraded to the correct option as needed.
Highlights
- Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city
- Soak up the atmosphere on a walking tour
- Multiple departure times and locations available
- Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
Know More about this tour
Inclusions
Map and information sheet
Driver
Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Entry/Admission - Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Exclusions
Hire Gear
Water
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for participants with back problems, heart complaints or other serious medical conditions, or pregnant women
Weather conditions can change, please dress appropriately
This experience requires good weather. If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If its canceled because the minimum isnt met, youll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
Traveler Reviews
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Depending on the weather could be a bit hard, but it is really worth it.
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This is just transportation but don't miss the transalpine crossing. It's a whipping! One thing is that I wish they were better prepared at the end parking lot with more buses as there was a huge wait.
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No need to book this in advance as there are plenty of stuttle services around. Even the motel you come to in Turangi can book you up on the day you check in. Also you can have very flexible return pickup if you book through the hotel and so don't have rush down the mountain to catch the last return bus. It is a ripoff charge but we travellers have not been left with any choice if we want to go up the mountain.
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The shuttle did exactly what they said they would do. Given that it seems difficult if not impossible to get to the start of the hike using your own car, this is a reasonablly priced service to facilitate the hike.
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Well organised and efficient service. We booked the Ketetahi option, which means you get somewhere to park getting around 4h limit and a shuttle bus to the start of the walk, they include a map and a few words of wisdom. They do know the conditions and advised us against a later start which proved to be sound advice - so listen.
The walk itself offers excellent views and photo opportunities, the terrain is mixed and I'd say it's a medium to hard trek which could be much harder in bad weather conditions.
For me it would be 5-Stars apart from the fact the route was very busy at least on the day we were there and felt a little overcrowded.
Unusually for this type of walk there are toilets on-route - but remember to take your own paper. -
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My wife and I arrived slightly before 7am at the designated pick up point Ketetahi car park for the transport. However, we waited for more than 2 hours but were not picked up. Eventually, we had to make other transportation arrangements to get us to our planned starting point at Mangatepopo. We did not finish our hike at the time as planned but were close to 4 hours behind our original schedule. As a result, our evening engagements were all affected. This has caused us not just a lot of inconvenience but also a lot of money and time. It is totally unacceptable.
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Quite a difficult walk when not trained. Actually not really difficult but really long: I needed 8h30 you can see some people saying I'm not sporty and did it in 6h30, I think they are lying about the not sporty part ahah.
Not really interesting when the weather is bad! low clouds hiding the mountains. -
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Pick up was on time we actually caught an earlier bus which was a huge bonus. The driver was great and the ride was safe and quick to the starting point. Pick up after the walk was disappointing as we waited 45 minutes and were exhausted so we just wanted to get to our vehicle. Looked like the company had several busses on the road so this was a bit surprising. A heads up that the finishing point of the walk is only a couple of KM's from where we were picked up, so if you wanted to walk it you certainly could back to your vehicle. The hike itself is fantastic and something you MUST do if visiting the area. Took us 6.5 hours at a relatively quick pace.
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excellent trip, all worth it !!!
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They picked up on time and the drop off too.
