Best value one way shuttle service to the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Park your car at the end of the track at the designated shuttle pick up area then catch our one-way shuttle to the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Duration of travel approximately 30 minutes' drive.

From May 1st to Late October parking can be found at the end of the track in the DOC Car Park.

We want you to enjoy your time whilst Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. We will pick you up beside the Ketetahi Carpark area on state highway 46 and take you to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This is a one-way shuttle service only.

Please click the link for pick up location on Lake Rotoira Road at the end of the track. 

  map to get there

• Please do not book children under the age of 10 or infants.  The driver has the right to refuse transport to the start of the track
  

• Please ensure that you have also filed your intentions to do this iconic hike with the Department of Conservation website details of how to do this will be sent in our confirmation email to you.

• As an approved DOC operator, we have passed the environmental standards set by DOC, as well as safety standards set by an independent auditor, and been approved to operate in public conservation areas.

• Always READ THE DOC ADVICE ON THE TAC supplied through the DOC Booking system and be prepared for all weather conditions.  In the event of a Hazardous weather advisory or at the discretion of the operator conditions are unsuitable our shuttle will not run.  We offer a reschedule free of charge or refund.

• Your safety is important to us! This is a walk over a mountain, if you turn up ill-prepared, we have the right to refuse passage without a refund.  

• In the event you should decide to turn around a transfer fee back to your car of $50 per person not less than $200 will be charged we suggest you consider our return shuttle service if you do not feel confident in completing the crossing in a reasonable time.

• As a DOC AUDITED and APPROVED concession operator an activity fee of $7.10+GST per person is used to help maintain the tracks, huts and biodiversity projects. This will be included in the shuttle fee you pay.
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• Safety to us is paramount at the end of your hike please let us know you completed the track with a simple text.  This is our way of ensuring everyone is off the track in the event of a search and rescue or another event.

• Parking is free and safe at the designated parking area please do not go into the private car park unless you prepared to pay extra.

Please email us direct for information on the 2026/2027 Tongariro Northern Circuit great walks transport.

Due to the volatility of Fuel prices we will not set a price here.

Please contact us direct at
ruapehushuttle@gmail.com for our current prices including the number of passengers.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Return shuttles from National Park or Owhango 
      

We offer pick up spots from your accommodation or designated pick up spot around National Park Village, Raurimu or Owhango being the only transport provider offering a shuttle from Raurimu or Owhango.  Then take you to walk the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the unique volcanic created environment within a UNESCO world heritage area.

As an approved DOC operator we have passed the environmental standards set by DOC, as well as safety standards set by an independent auditor, and been approved to operate in public conservation areas.

Our pick up times at the finish are tailored to suit our customers which is arranged on the day.  We want you to enjoy your time whilst Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. No worries about missing your transport, or stress about being left behind. Unlike other operators we work around your time and dont leave you waiting for an hour or more.  Another plus is unlike the one way service you do not have to walk another 900 metres down a dusty road back to your car. 

Sit back and enjoy your journey. We hope you will be delighted by your experience from start to finish. 

Drop off at Mangatepopo Car Park, Start (estimated journey time 30 minutes)

Pick up at the finish, Ketetahi Car Park.

*or we can do this in reverse for you or we are the only operator to offer return from the start trips in the afternoon eg start Mangatepopo and finish at Mangatepopo

Delivered back to the door step of your accommodation or where you first boarded the shuttle.

To ensure a quick pick up service so you are not waiting to long for the next bus or running after one that has just left we ask you text or Call us at the 90 minute from Ketetahi Car Park sign.  Being an owner operated service we take that extra value to our service.  Pick up times are arranged 8-9hours after drop off at the start unless communicated otherwise.   Please remember to finish as a group if you start as a group.  Additional pick up times can be arranged at cost.

NO  ONE  IS  LEFT  BEHIND - However late pick up fees (minimum $160) maybe applied should you complete the track outside the recommended duration of the 7-8 hours, we recommend that you choose the earliest time if you are are not confident in completing the track in 10 hours after which time a late pick up fee is charged without exception.

As a DoC approved concession operator a tack activity fee is paid for you that is used to help maintain the tracks, huts and biodiversity projects. This is included in the shuttle fee you pay we contribute $8.17 per passenger to the Department of Conservation on your behalf.

https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/apply-for-permits/managing-your-concession/ongoing-concession-fees/  

*Ideally we need 4 passengers to run a timeslot.  In the event insufficient numbers we will endeavour to place you on the closest available shuttle we run or with another operator.  This is ideal for a family or group of friends to travel together.
Please call/contact us if you would like to discuss running our shuttle for less than 4 people. 

** A minimum age to use the shuttle for this service is 8 and Infants are not permitted under any circumstances.  If this is unclear please call us prior to booking.   

***From 30th March 2026 all advertised prices maybe subject to a Fuel Surcharge***

Please contact us direct at ruapehushuttle@gmail.com or call 02041114648 for a price quote for our service to this trail head from other locations other than Whakapapa Village or for any special rates available.

Prices quoted are from Waihohunu Trail end to Whakapapa Village or Waimarino (formerly known as National Park Village)

Minimum price does not apply if other parties are booked at the same time on the shuttle.   i.e if we have the minimum number on a shuttle we will override the price manually to ensure you are charged at the per person rate. Its rare but sometimes happens!

No  set time you choose!     We understand you may wish to change the time of pick up which we will work with you to provide as best as we can.

*Special Rates may apply*

Single trip transfer between Ohakune Mountain Road Trailheads to Waihohunu Hut.

Please call before booking as pricing may change due to fuel pricing and other factors outside our control especially when booking more than one month in advance.   Our current pricing assumes a Diesel fuel price staying locally below $4 per litre. Other factors may influence price such as avialability of vehicles.