Description:
Backyard Tours transports customers to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing during summer and the Whakapapa ski fields during winter. Locals born and raised in Turangi Tongariro share local stories and cultural insights along the journey for your enjoyment and safety first.
Welcome to the heart of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with dual heritage status, nestled among the sacred volcanic mountains of Pihanga, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu.
We provide fantastic one-way shuttle trips for self-hikers to the starting point of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Our service ensures you can safely to your parked vehicle at our exclusive, collective whanau all-day car park lot. You can board any shuttle from this car park, which will take you to the Mangatepopo trail start. This location is safe from the main highway, reducing the risk of traffic congestion or accidents.
Our shuttle departs from the ONLY all-day car parking lot off SH46, opposite the Ketetahi trail road end. Departures are at various set times.
Additionally, we offer a round-trip service from Turangi to the heart of the Tongariro National Park. This option allows self-hikers to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and be safely returned to their original pickup point.
When winter comes, and it’s time for fun in the snow, we offer our transport services from Turangi or Park n Ride National Park Village.
Let’s make your shuttle experience memorable!
Note:The shuttle cost includes the Department of Conservation visitor community contribution and maintenance fee. You can book your trek free of charge through their website.
FAQ
- WHERE IS THE TRAIL START OF THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING?
The trial starts at the Mangatepopo platform. - WHERE IS THE TRAIL END OF THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING?
Ketetahi Carpark on State Highway 46 Lake Rotoaira is the trail end of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. - DO YOU PROVIDE ROUND TRIP TRANSPORT AND WHERE FROM?
Round trip locations are from Turangi. Upon booking online, see the drop-down menu for the place of pick-ups, or please do ask us. - DO YOU PROVIDE A ONE-WAY PARK-AND-RIDE TRANSPORT OPTION?
Yes, we are 1 of 5 exclusive collective, whanau, transport operators of pick-ups from the ONLY Stress-free ONE WAY secure Ketetahi Park and Ride on State Highway 46 Lake Rotoaira. This is opposite Ketetahi trail road end. - HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE TO THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING TRAIL START?
Approximately 45 minutes from Turangi, 25 minutes from Whakapapa Village, 45 minutes from National Park Village, and 60 minutes from Erua, with allowance for delays due to people, traffic, weather, or road conditions. Please be kind - HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE FROM THE KETETAHI SECURE CARPARK ONE WAY TO THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING TRAIL START?
Approximately 30 minutes with allowance for delays due to people, traffic, weather, or road conditions. Please be kind - HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE IN THE AFTERNOON FROM THE TRAIL END OF THE CROSSING?
It takes approximately 20 minutes to go to Turangi, 30 minutes to Whakapapa Village, and 45 minutes to National Park Village, with allowance for delays due to people, traffic, weather, or road conditions. Please be kind. - DO YOU HAVE AN AGE LIMIT FOR PASSENGERS?
Children requiring child restraints must be supplied by the parent/guardian. (Charges are per seat per passenger). - DO YOU PROVIDE ANY HIRE EQUIPMENT?
No. You are responsible for being prepared and aware when attempting any outdoor activity at your own risk. We supply an emergency safety kit, so please ask us about it. - WHAT IF I AM LATE OR MISS MY ROUND-TRIP TRANSPORT?
We brief you on safety and give you our contact details so you can message or call us in signal-receiving areas. Communication is KEY. 100% Guarantee no one will be left behind - WHAT IS THE AVERAGE TIME TO HIKE THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING?
Average person approximately 6 – 8 hours. If you need more time, we recommend starting as soon as possible to finish in time for the last transport and before darkness. - WHAT DO I NEED TO TAKE FOR THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING?
A cell phone or personal locator beacon is handy! Take sufficient supplies of Food & Water, 1st Aid Kit, Extra Alpine Clothing, Sunscreen, Wet weather gear, Sturdy footwear, headlamps and your own Toilet paper). Please what you ‘pack in’ YOU ‘pack out’. Keep environmentally friendly. Tip: You can take layers off but cannot put layers on if you do not have any. - WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER TURNS BAD WHILST DOING THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING?
You will be advised by a Department of Conservation Ranger to your Safety First and to head back either to the trail start or the trail end, depending on your point of location on the trail. Either option is to contact or inform us of your transport operator as soon as possible. - IS THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING SUITABLE FOR ANYONE TO HIKE?
If you have any medical concerns, do seek legal practitioner advice. You must have a moderate level of health and fitness. If you have any allergies or breathing problems, you must have a medical remedy with you! Remember that height elevations are above sea levels up to 1886m. - CAN I GO OFF TRACK AND HIKE THE OTHER MOUNTAIN SUMMITS?
No. It is with respect for preservation and your safety to remain on track. Time is a major factor when outdoors, so please think wisely and, if in doubt, ask the Department of Conservation. - CAN I HIKE BY MYSELF TO DO THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING?
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is enjoyed by self-hiking, and as the trail is well-marked and you are not alone, everyone goes the same way. Guided is by choice and is highly recommended in the season of Winter. - MY BOOKING WAS CANCELLED DUE TO BAD WEATHER. WILL I GET A REFUND?
Yes. Direct or Affiliate where states on a booking will be fully refundable when applicable. If the weather changes after starting the hike, there is no refund. If cancelled in transit due to bad weather, you may move your booking to another suitable and available day, or you will forfeit a refund. - CAN I TOUCH THE CRATER LAKE WATERS?
No. Respect our sacred waters for preservation and eliminate water contamination that can be transferred from what is on the hands or feet. - ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING TRAIL?
Yes. Environmental Toilets are at the trail start and end and placed appropriately and respectfully along the trail. Take your own toilet paper. Nothing goes into the Maunga Mountain; everything is helicoptered off. Please be kind. - IS THERE A COST TO HIKING THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING?
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is FREE to hike, enjoy, and respectfully preserve. Transport operators incur a cost due to financial commercial business operations, as approved in the Tongariro National Park through the management of the Department of Conservation. A portion of your transport costs contributes to the customer experience and maintenance of the Park for your enjoyment and future preservation. Appreciation and Thank you! - CAN I TAKE MY DRONE, MY DOG, MY PORTABLE MUSIC SPEAKERS, MY BIKE, MY BOOGIE BOARD?
No. Please be respectful that you are in a UNESCO First Dual Heritage World National Park, a gift for all to enjoy and respectfully preserve especially its wildlife. Seek professional advice from the Department of Conservation. Avoid a FINE - I CANNOT COMPLETE THE FULL TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING TRAIL?
Safety is Paramount. Signage along the trail will advise you of your limits of challenge to either carry on or turn back to the trail start, depending on where your location is at the time. Pay attention. Please inform your transport operator if you turn back. Please be patient during this turnaround drive time. Please be kind.