The Ketetahi One Way Park N Ride Shuttle is our most popular offering, allowing hikers to park their car and shuttle to the start of the track. This means an enjoyable hike at your own pace, making your way back to your car at the end of the trail.
Now, how does it work?
Our Park N Ride Ketetahi shuttle service for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be booked online, offering departure times of 6:30am, 7:30am and 8:30am. Select your preferred time and complete our simple booking process to reserve your place. Also don't forget to complete your DOC entry form. This is to help manage daily visitors and you only need one form per group. This can be completed here.
This service sees you drive your car to the finishing point of the Tongariro Crossing at Ketetahi car park—no need to arrange transport from your accommodation! Travel in the comfort of your own vehicle, enjoying your coffee or breakfast on the way if you wish.
There is ample space for parking at Ketetahi—the end point of the track. Approximately 250 vehicles are permitted to park all day on the side of State Highway 46, offering plenty of options for our Park N Ride customers—just avoid any areas with ‘no parking’ signs! The main Ketetahi carpark can also accommodate 35 vehicles, however a four-hour limit applies. In the highly unlikely event that all parks are taken, there is an overflow car park up the road that will be opened. Early starters will have the best chance of securing a car park closest to the exit point of the track.
To allow plenty of time and a stress-free experience, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your designated pick up time. Once you’ve parked your car, gathered your belongings and locked up, walk to our Tongariro Expeditions check-in van which is parked across the road from the entrance to the Ketetahi carpark. We’ll give you a map and information sheet to check out while you wait for the bus to collect you.
Our bus will drop you off at the start point at the Mangatepopo carpark. With Park N Ride, you have the flexibility to complete the trek at your own pace, with no need to work to a fixed schedule in order to meet return transport. Enjoy a more leisurely walk, soak up the scenery, take plenty of pictures and stop for refreshments along the way!
After many (enjoyable!) hours of hiking, you’ll be pleased to find your own familiar and comfortable vehicle waiting for you at the other end. Simply walk out to the main road where you parked your car. Depart in your own time, with no need to wait for another bus or shuttle to collect you and drop you at your accommodation. Debrief with your companion, hit the nearest drive-thru, wind down by listening to some music or start planning your next adventure!
Book your shuttle from Ketetahi to Mangatepopo and get ready to experience NZ's best day hike!
Posted by Mandy Tongariro Expeditions on March 11, 2020
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