From Auckland to Tangariro Crossing

We're very interested to do one day hike in Tangariro Crossing. How can we go there from Auckland? What are the options if we take the intercity coach or magic bus? Suggestion for overnight stay in hostel or B&B is appreciated.

Thanks

You could get the Intercity or Magic bus to Taupo, where there are many hostels to choose from (Rainbow Lodge and Tiki Lodge in particular are both very good).

From Taupo you can buy a minibus ticket which leaves early in the morning (about 6am) and drops you are the start of the Tongariro Crossing, picks you up at the other end once you have completed the 7-8 hour walk, and drives you back to Taupo. Book through your hostel.

Or you can go down the other side i.e. via National Park (there is a daily intercity bus that goes this way - but food and accommodation are quite limited) or even catch the train to Ohakune. Both have shuttles to do the crossing.

Options abound.

Thanks for the fast replies..dominic77, do u mean we should stay overnight at Toupo before catching the minibus to Tongariro? How many hours is the bus trip from Auckland - Taupo - Tongariro? Can u suggest something to do in Toupo before we move on? Is the Crossing part of the National Park?

Thx

Auckland to Taupo is about 4 hours by car - I've never done the journey by bus, so count on it perhaps taking slightly longer, depending on how many stops it makes along the way.

From Taupo to the start of the Tongariro crossing takes about an hour.

So yes in order to take the minibus from Taupo to the head of the Tongariro Crossing, you will need to stay overnight in Taupo unless you leave Auckland at about 2am!

Taupo is a great place to spend a few days, with some decent bars and restaurants, nice lake views, activities like river rafting, jetboating and kayaking in the area, and the Spa Park with its hot river (free entry).

Takes 4.40hrs Auckland-- Taupo.

Dominic - 4 hours - huh??!! oh dear. guess we have heavy right feet.

An alternative suggestion is to continue on to Turangi and stay there. It's not the tourist town that Taupo is, but it's certainly an interesting place and will give you a different experience of the area. The bus Taupo - Mangetopopo stops in Turangi on the way through. I can't recommend any particular acc'm though as we usually stayed in a short-term rental... sorry. You may prefer to be in Taupo with all the facilities & various touristy things, but I really liked being in Turangi and you don't have to get up so early in the morning ;-)

Since when it is a minibus from Taupo to Tongariro crossing? It was a big full-on bus when I've used it.

Bridge Fishing Lodge is one accommodation option for you in Turangi - right by the bridge as you enter Turangi from Taupo - good food there.

<blockquote>Quote
<hr>Dominic - 4 hours - huh??!! oh dear. guess we have heavy right feet<hr></blockquote>

LOL! Yep, I was allowing for a gentle drive including a rest stop or two!

Thx again for the heaps of suggestions...

After doing the Tongariro Crossing, we're planning to fly to Christchurch. Which option is better...fly out from Toupo or Wellington?

Taupo has smaller planes (which lower your chances of cheaper seats) and flights go via Wellington. On the other hand, it is a lot closer to where you'll be and so time can be saved. Wellington is further away, but has three airlines making the flight, so your chances of a cheap fare are much better. Another possibility, since you'll probably be going through it anyway if you don't fly out of Taupo is Palmerston North - there are non-stop flights to Christchurch, and it will cut 2-3 hours out of your time in the bus.