Turangi Tongariro: Authentic Maori-led Alpine Crossing Adventure in Volcanic Mountains

Embark on an authentic Maori-led adventure in the volcanic mountains of Turangi Tongariro. Experience Manaakitanga and Kaitiakitanga while hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Book now!

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

Start your day with our shuttle and transfer services, where you will be picked up from your accommodation based on your chosen departure time. To enhance your understanding of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, we will share our local knowledge, culture, and stories, complementing your prior research. This information will be provided as you are driven to…

What's Included
  • Maōri blessings and acknowledgements
  • Local friendly commentary
  • Complimentary celebratory drink
  • Free walking pole usage
  • Round-trip transport from Turangi
  • Access to free photography on social media
What's Not Included
  • Hiking guide
  • Meals and drinks
  • Boots or Clothing
Additional Information

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
Locals of Ma**ri descent born and raised in Turangi Tongariro providing a niche transport service to Aotearoa New Zealand’s…

Location
Backyard Tours
Te Rangitautahanga Road
Turangi round trip. To be ready waiting outside road front for onboarding at 5.20am to depart Turangi on time of 5.30am to avoid any delays. Afternoon return time 2.30pm. *Late fee applicable. Suggest our one way transfer of convenience if require to do at ones own pace.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(76 Ratings)
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Al_f
Mar 20, 2026
Epic - Was absolutely Awesome views were breathtaking was a a challenging walk so fitness level is a must but well worth it. Operator is brilliant full of local knowledge
Review provided by Viator
Derek_v
Mar 13, 2026
Perfect experience - Pickup was exactly on time just before 5:30am. After a quick and informative overview of the hike, safety briefing, and Maori blessing by our driver and host, Brendan (great guy with an awesome sense of humor and local history/knowledge), I was on the trail by 6:20am. We were all back on the shuttle and heading home by just after 2pm with my cold drink from Brendan in hand! Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Oh, and the hike was amazing as well!
Review provided by Viator
Elisabeth_m
Mar 10, 2026
Beautiful! - It is quite demanding but with some fitness feasible. The trail is very well groomed and it also has enough toilets on the route. Strictly the specifications regarding dress, shoes, food and drink of the aprovider contents.
Review provided by Viator
Laure_d
Mar 9, 2026
Practical and perfect service - Simply perfect service and convenient. They tour the hotels in Turangi at dawn (~5:30am) to take you to the starting point (start 6:30am at the front!) of the hike and take you back to your hotel at the end of the hike (and if you are among the first arrivals, there is a first shuttle that leaves around 1pm).
Review provided by Viator
Brad_k
Mar 6, 2026
Brendan was a friendly,... - Brendan was a friendly, safe driver! We enjoyed our cool drink after our 20k walk that was offered to us.
Review provided by Viator
Patricia_m
Feb 5, 2026
Good service - Efficient way of getting to the Alpine crossing, and back to Turangi. Communication was good beforehand.
Review provided by Viator
Utkarsh_c
Feb 1, 2026
Had a great experience... - Had a great experience with Backyard Tours. The drivers were punctual and engaging – telling about the local history, culture, and geography. They also lended hiking poles for the walk. The complimentary drinks (soda/beer) at the end were a nice surprise. The pickup from Turangi was at 5.30 am, reached Mangatepopo car park at 6.30 am, and the return was scheduled at 2.30 pm from Ketetahi par park. As everyone completed the trek early, the shuttle left for Turangi at 2:00 pm.
Review provided by Viator
Andrea_s
Jan 19, 2026
Very professional,... - Very professional, communicative and friendly. I had a very good experience with them. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Sunshine12921046767
Feb 12, 2025
Highly Recommend Backyard Tours! - My wife and I booked Backyard Tours for their return shuttle service to Tongariro Alpine Walks. They were very friendly and communicative! Providing frequent updates to us! On top of that they were very punctual with their pick up service! Highly recommend their team!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Soowai_e
Feb 17, 2025
Wish pick up time is a bit more flexible - When I booked the transfer/shuttle for the trailhead drop off and pick up, I didn't realize there is only one pick up time which was latest at 230pm. If I exceeded that schedule, there will be additional charge. I wish I could have one more hour to complete the trail. The rush did affected my full enjoyment of the hike. Other than that, we fully appreciate the transfer service provided by Brenden and his wife and their friendliness.
Review provided by Viator