Tongariro Park & Ride Shuttle Tongariro Park & Ride Shuttle

Turangi to Tongariro Return Shuttle

The Turangi return shuttle picks you up in central Turangi and drops you at the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trailhead in Mangatepopo. We will then pick you up in the afternoon for the return journey back to Taupō.

Turangi Shuttle to the Tongariro Crossing

This Tongariro Crossing shuttle service picks you up from central Turangi at 6:00am (Please note: On the booking form it will say 5:15am, however that is the start time of the bus that first picks up in Taupo). If you are staying in the town centre, we will collect you directly from your Turangi accommodation. If you are staying outside of our pick up area, we will meet you at the Turangi info centre on Ngawaka Place.


The journey takes about 1 hour and gets you to Mangatepopo by 7am. This Tongariro shuttle service allows for up to 8 hours to complete the track. It takes most people between 6-8 hours and many are off the track by 2:30pm.


There are multiple departure times between between 2:30-3pm, however you must be off the track by 3pm. If you are worried about not making it back in time you may like to consider our one-way Tongariro shuttle service.


We then get you back to Turangi between 3-3:30pm so you can relax for the remainder of the afternoon.


Being in Turangi, you might like to go and soak in the Tokaanu Hot Springs, and then kick back and enjoy a picnic dinner by the riverside to relax and unwind after your big day.


Why Choose Tongariro Expeditions?

With over 25 years of experience, we’re the longest-running provider of Tongariro Alpine Crossing shuttles. We consistently offer:

  • Safe, reliable, and timely service trusted by thousands of hikers each season
  • Flexible booking options, including free date changes and refunds if cancelled due to bad weather
  • Four main shuttle pick up points, for a simple and seamless journey, no matter where you're staying
  • Multiple shuttle types: one-way, return, early or later morning departures
  • Ideal for solo hikers and groups


We make your hiking adventure simple, stress-free, and tailored to your hiking style.


Turangi Return Shuttle FAQs

  • Where can I be picked up from in Turangi?

    We pick up from Motutere and Motuoapa on our way to Turangi, plus we pick up from accommodation in Turangi town. 


    We do not pick up from Tokaanu, so if you are outside our pick up zone, you can meet us at the Turangi information centre.

  • Where do I wait for pick-up at the end of the hike?

    All return shuttles meet at the Ketetahi Car Park at the end of the track – you’ll easily spot our shuttle when it pulls in. There are also bathrooms and shade here while you wait. 

  • What time does the afternoon shuttle leave, and how long will I wait?

    There are a couple of return shuttles between 2-3pm – as we provide about 8 hours to complete the track, most people finish within 6-8 hours, with most people off the track by 2:30pm. Depending on what time you depart, you will return to Turangi between 3-3:30pm.

  • How do I know if the Turangi Return Shuttle is right for me?

    If you’re staying in Turangi and don’t have a car, or would prefer not to bring one, our Turangi to Tongariro return shuttle is the perfect option for you. No parking hassles at the trailhead, you have a generous 8 hours to complete the hike, and then you can simply relax on your journey back to Turangi.

What our other guests have said

Excellent communication. The shuttle did not run on the scheduled day due to


weather conditions. We were well informed and rebooked for the following day.

- ingeb855, Trip Advisor

Good value and well organised.  Good value for your money. very well organised. clear instructions. friendly team. i can

only recommend.

- Filip_D, Trip Advisor

Excellent service all around

- Catherine, United States

Everything was very well organized and the shuttle left as soon as everyone was there. Great organization!

- Janne-Marie, Germany

Great way to get to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and know your car is parked safely and you will be picked up by the end of the hike.

- Brigitta, Australia

Amazing, I tell you! Thank goodness for this magnificent day, and thank you to TongariroExpedition for your service and your smiles! True professionals! Thank you all!

- sandrinemU1431ID, Viator

Excellent! Great with communication (please read what they send you!) and lovely

people. Made the day so easy.


- Molly_C, Viator

Easy to find and park, fun driver who drove us to the start. It was easy and affordable if you don't have your own pick up. The return bus went every 10mi.


- danielwS9898CS, Viator

Superb! They pick you up on time, both at the beginning and end of the trek, and they give you valuable information before starting your trek in Tongariro. The person who picked us up at the end of the trek was incredibly kind! I loved it! 100% recommend it


- Ivonne_A, Viator

Was a bit apprehensive about the gps coordinates for the meet up but google maps took us straight there, we were met by a friendly driver who talked us through the trip, and we were picked up and returned to our vehicle at the end of the hike. A fabulous day of great memories and aching muscles. We are both 60+, pretty fit but not massively so and did the walk in a relaxed manner in 7 1/2 hours. Definitely recommend taking poles if only for the scree field down from the top.

- Jo –, United Kingdom

The communications were excellent keeping as up to date on weather related conditions. The drivers were good and we didn't have to wait very long for our pick up at 

the finish. Tongariro Expeditions becomes highly recommended.

- Ian_R, Viator

Great Taupo Return shuttle option with a helpful map. Was cancelled and rescheduled smoothly when there was better weather forecasted.


- Folu_F, Viator

Everyone is super friendly- easy pick up from car park spot indicated. Lots of 

communication and easy pick up at the end.

- Sereena_C

Very nice tour. Breathtaking scenery. The transport was very well organised and the route was well maintained.


- GetYourGuide traveler, Austria

Perfect service. Lovely drivers and very smooth drive from Taupo to the National Park.


- Alessandra_P

Timely and comfortable!

- Claire, United States
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