Tongariro National Park Getting there & around

Getting around

Bus & tram

Bus

There are numerous shuttle services to Whakapapa Village, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and other key destinations from Taupo, Turangi and National Park. Transport is also available from Ohakune. In summer, tramping trips are their focus but in winter most offer ski-field shuttles. Book your bus in advance to avoid unexpected strandings. Prices following are return.

Adrift Guided Outdoor Adventures (0800 462 374, 07-892 2751; www.adriftnz.co.nz) Runs a Tongariro Alpine Crossing shuttle ($25) as well as guiding one- to five-day tramps in the national park.

Adventure Headquarters (07-386 0969; www.adventureheadquarters.co.nz) Runs scheduled and pre-arranged Alpine Crossing transport ($25). It also offers guided trips and gear hire.

Howard’s Lodge (07-892 2827; www.howardslodge.co.nz) Runs shuttles from National Park to the Alpine Crossing ($25), 42 Traverse ($25) and Fishers Track ($20)

Matai Shuttles (06-385 9169; 0800 462 824) Runs shuttles from Whakapapa Village and Ohakune to the Crossing ($30).

Mountain Shuttle (0800 117 686) Runs between Turangi and Whakapapa/Alpine Crossing three times a day ($35).

Tongariro Expeditions (0800 828 763; www.tongariroexpeditions.com) Runs shuttles to the Alpine Crossing, Northern Circuit and Waihohonu Traverse from Taupo, Turangi, Whakapapa and National Park ($14 to $49). Experienced staff will offer moral and physical support by way of on-bus gear hire and chocolate sales.

Tongariro Volcanic Adventures (07-892 2870; www.npbp.co.nz) Runs a shuttle service for the Alpine Crossing ($25), 42 Traverse ($30), Whakapapa Ski Area ($20) and other locations by arrangement. It also hires out most necessary equipment.

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Car & motorcycle

Tongariro National Park is bounded by roads: SH1 (called the Desert Rd, despite being sandless) to the east, SH4 to the west, SH46 and SH47 cross the northern side and SH49 along the south. The main road up into the park is SH48, which leads to Whakapapa Village, continuing further up the mountain to the Whakapapa Ski Area. Ohakune Mountain Rd leads up to the Turoa Ski Area from Ohakune.

For the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, access is from the end of Mangatepopo Rd off SH47, and SH46 from the end of Ketetahi Rd off National Park Rd (between SH1 and SH47). Theft from parked vehicles is a problem at both ends: don’t leave valuables in the car, or keep everything out of sight.

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