Taupo Shuttle: Essential Transport for Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Need transport for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing? Taupo Shuttle is the essential option for those without a vehicle. Check out our Ketetahi park n ride for self-driving options.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

You must be waiting outside at your pick up location 10 mins before pick up time.
We take you from Taupo to Mangatepopo car park, the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. You will be at the track start approx 7am.
You hike for 8 hours and we pick up at the end of the day at 3:30pm.
Pick up is from the Ketetahi car park at the end of the track. Please…

What's Included
  • Map and information sheet provided
Additional Information

Getting transportation for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a must. In the event you are lodging in Taupo without a vehicle, this remains the sole avenue for transporting you to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and back to Taupo.
If you possess a vehicle and wish to self-drive, our Ketetahi park n ride service would be of great interest to you. It’s also an ideal choice for both swift and leisurely walkers.

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.4
(14 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Polmike
May 21, 2025
Great Shuttle Service - Very timely pick up from the hotel and an hour drive to Mangatepopo Car park. Driver was friendly and gave us all the info we need to know before starting the hike. He came on time at the end of the hike and took us back to our respective hotels.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donmar92
Apr 7, 2025
Great shuttle service - Great shuttle service for drop off and pick up for the Tangariro Alpine Crossing. Shuttle was on time and the driver was very accommodating. The hike itself is challenging but the views are amazing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M-a-2020
Jan 1, 2025
It was a tough process, but it was a valuable experience - The driver's response to the Taupo round trip was very kind. It was clear, but the wind was so strong that I felt a bit dangerous about being sent flying near Red Crater. We had a very good time in Whitehorse, we had a very good time in Whitehorse, we had a good time in Whitehorse, we had a good time in Whitehorse and we had a good time. I enjoyed trekking down the mountain in an idyllic atmosphere. We had a very nice time in almost 7 hours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meander34529874853
Dec 31, 2024
Super smooth and great experience doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from Taupo - Everything worked out very well. We booked the trip and as stated got informed timely before the trip via email about the trip status. Then received additional email with confirmation that the trip will happen (it was on hold before due to uncertain weather), and got clear instructions about pickup time and additional useful information. Would have loved to receive information in advance whether I could leave stuff in the bus (e.g. spare shoes for after the hike), but it's not guaranteed that you'll be in the same bus again for your return trip. We got picked up precisely on time at our desired location, the bus driver was very friendly. A live GPS with the location of the bus before the pickup would have been amazing 😊 After having arrived at the Tongariro Alpine Crossing start, the driver provided other useful information about the return pickup, which was then also very well organised by the on-site staff, distributing the hikers into the various buses depending on their destinations in Taupo. It's not overly cheap but I'd book again, as the overall service and experience was very good. Thanks, team!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Walt_s
Mar 11, 2024
Great, convenient, stress free shuttle service for Tongariro Alpine Crossing - Great shuttle service from Taupo to Tongariro NP for Alpine Crossing hike. Picked up at hotel at 515 in the morning, and return by 400 in the afternoon.
Review provided by Viator
Nellisery_n
Feb 25, 2024
Convenient and friendly - Worked out perfectly. Picked up from the hotel along the bus route on time. Comfortable ride both ways.
Review provided by Viator
Jan_n
Jan 16, 2025
Great views! - The walk was simply amazing :) There are various sceneries to see and the weather was more or less in our favor. Not as challenging as I feared, I think everyone from our bus finished.
Review provided by Viator
Maria_m
Dec 28, 2023
Great service, friendly driver, but overpriced - Great service provided. The driver was on time, 5.15am sharp, very friendly and professional. He gave clear instructions and drove us safely. I found the price so expensive for a 1h drive to the Crossing Tongariro, return ticket, I paid $125 Australian dollars. I paid because it was the only option I had, since my hostel didn't want to help me to book through them. Anyway, the service was great, just totally overpriced in my case.
Review provided by Viator
Sophie2173
Jun 16, 2023
Informative but expensive - The pros of this company are that they were the only one we could find that offered a shuttle from Taupo, they do pick up from your accommodation, and they give you a briefing about the trail and a map to help you on your way. They are quite an expensive option given that if you arrive at the end of the trail after their pickup time, their advice is to hitchhike back to Taupo. I understand why they have to have a cut off time to leave, but they also only give you 7 hours so bear that in mind if you want to take your time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Drcmarie_s
Dec 9, 2024
I hope I get a refund - We got a email that shuttle was on hold in afternoon day before but didn’t receive a follow up email from shuttle operator so not sure if it went. Many were cancelled do do weather . I’ve had no follow up re refund and have sent a message and awaiting response. I’ve had an issue like this with Viator before and only got a partial refund
Review provided by Viator
From $78
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).