Hi guys!
After a day hike in Tonggariro Crossing, how can i move from TC to Wellington to save on time?
From my reading, i understand that there is a tranzScenic trains on the Auckland-Wellington line stop at National Park. Is this a good option? Or do i need to overnight at Taupo for catching a bus on next morning to Wellington? I have check out the distance and it was 378 km and it will really takes up a lot of my time!
Any suggestions are appreciated!
twobranches
1
sammmi
You ought to check out the train timetable ex National Park and compare that with Intercity routes/times available.
I've picked up hitchikers along SH4 (National Park) route but traffic was very light, but it might be worthwhile to try.
2
myshkin
The train comes through NP a bit after lunch - unlikely that you'd be able to do the crossing and take the train the same day (there's also a bus through NP but you'd have the same problem). Lat flight of the day from Taupo south is just after 5:00. If you really want to get to Wellington the same day, go back to Taupo and catch the night bus. It will get you into Wellington around 8 a.m. the next morning.
3
lisamnz
If the over-night service between Auckland & Wellington hadn't ended, that would have been perfect.
As it is, myshkin's suggestion is probably the best. The bus from the end of the Tongariro crossing (assuming you're walking Mangetepopo - Ketetahi as most do) will take you back to Taupo, or you could chance your luck and get off the bus at Turangi/state highway 1 and hope to hitch a lift.
4
man_in_seat_61
The 'Overlander' Tranz Scenic train is a fantastic experience. It runs daily in season, three times weekly off-season, see www.seat61.com/Overlander.htm</a> for train times, fares, how to buy tickets, and some photos and an account of the journey from my own trip in May this year.
Definitely a good (and historic) choice!
Pro tip
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