The Ultimate Guide to Our Ketetahi Park N Ride

Now, how does it work?

1. Book Your Ketetahi Park N Ride Shuttle Online

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.

2. Bring Your Own Vehicle

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. 

3. Choose Your Park

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.

4. Say Hello to Your Shuttle Driver

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.

5. Don't Rush!

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.

6. Depart in Comfort

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!



Does this sound like your kind of adventure?

Book your shuttle from Ketetahi to Mangatepopo and get ready to experience NZ's best day hike!