Tongariro Crossing: One-Way Shuttle from Secure Ketetahi Private Carpark
4.7
15 Ratings
Otukou
Experience the Tongariro Crossing with National Park Shuttles, the only Tangata Whenua operator offering one-way shuttle service from the secure Ketetahi private carpark. No waiting or rushing, just a fantastic transport journey.
Duration: 35 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Please meet us at The only one-way PRIVATE car park across from the Ketetahi Track entrance.

Pick-up is in the ONLY secure off-road car park located opposite the end of the hike at Ketetahi on Highway 46. Please tell us your pick-up time, 7 am, or 8 am. You must arrive at least 15 minutes early, so you don’t miss the shuttle. Times are subject to change due to availability.

If travelling from Taupo Turangi make sure to take HWY 1 and turn onto HWY46 (National Park). It will take 20 minutes approximately to get to the car park. The actual sign is on the left side of the road and says ‘TONGARIRO SHUTTLE CAR PARK’.

If travelling from National Park Village take HWY 47, travel that road for approximately 25 to 30 minutes then turn right onto HWY 46 (Rangipo). It will take 10 minutes approximately to get to the car park from there. It’s 400 meters from the Ketetahi track entrance (don’t go down that road).

The car park staff will be inside the car park to check you in. Show your confirmation.

Points of Interest

  • Tongariro Crossing Car Park
What's Included
  • On-site Car Park Security staff
  • Enjoy Hassle-free all-day parking
  • Safety debriefing included
  • Friendly and informative cultural insights on arrival
Additional Information

National Park Shuttles is the only Tangata Whenua (local people) operator from the National Park Village, offering a fantastic transport journey departing from the ONLY all-day secure carpark with a one-way transport shuttle service to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

We transfer you from the private car park to the beginning of the trek (Mangatepopo). You can hike as fast or as slowly as you like.
We give the same advice and safety brief, as we do with our returning shuttles. We do account for you if you have not returned to your vehicle.
No waiting hours for a shuttle at the finish if you’re fast. No running for your shuttle if you’re slow. At the end of the trek, you will arrive at the 4-hour Ketetahi car park. You will walk another 900 meters from there, back to where your car is parked.

Rest assured that no one is ever left behind!

  • For all ages 8+
  • We do not transport children under the age of 8
Location
Tongariro Crossing Car Park
Lake Rotoaira Road
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(15 Ratings)
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Experience397502
Apr 11, 2024
Fabulous and friendly service! - Good instructions for arrival. Efficient and very friendly service. Loved receiving a Mauri blessing before starting the hike. Car park felt secure with friendly staff at start and end points . A wonderful experience in a spiritual place
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Markknights94
Apr 3, 2024
Simple and effective - Excellent service, simple to use from booking all the way to the drop off point. The coach was comfortable, the driver gave a quick brief on rules for the national park and was very welcoming
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariefs_6
Apr 1, 2024
Well run & informative - Our party of seven used this service for our Tongariro Alpine Cross on Sun 31 March - Easter Sunday. There was a large number of people doing the Crossing that day and people were being moved very efficiently between carparks. The emails and information were great. Very friendly people - definitely recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Voyager60594741965
Feb 24, 2024
Awesome start to the Tongariro Crossing - The shuttle was easy tp book, well organised and friendly. Weather prediction.from.our driver spot on, the advice and info about the Crossing was too, thanks so much
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leah_t1485
Feb 21, 2024
Brilliant! - Absolutely breathtaking views and a great hike. Great communication and service from Thomas at National Park Shuttles. One thing to note is whilst the confirmation email says don’t follow the GPS to Ketetahi carpark, if you don’t know the area and come in from Turangi way it is quite confusing and many cars turn into this carpark. Nothing a signpost at the Ketetahi carpark turn off wouldn’t fix, if allowed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Companion05087188464
Jan 29, 2024
Top Notch crowd :) - Picked up from my accomodation on time on time, not too many stops along the way so got onto the crossing relatively quickly. Friendly drivers. No hassles. Would recommend them if you are doing the crossing :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Flyer476194
Jan 14, 2024
Quick and efficient - Great service with clear instructions on how to find the car park for the shuttle including photos. I also provided the wrong email address to receive the confirmation but the team quickly addressed this when I wrote to them. Shuttle transfer is about 30 mins from car park to the start of the walk.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
22aimeel
Jan 2, 2024
The big hike - Due to time limit restrictions at the moment in the car parks, catching a shuttle is the only way to go if you plan to do this one and you don't have your own driver. The guys at National Park Shuttles have varied start times (go early if you are slow) and tend to run one pick up bus an hour from around 2 until 5:30 (i think) so you can jump on the next one when you get there. One of their drivers gave me some excellent advice on pacing goals along the way to keep me on track timewise. If you are going to do this walk, they are a great company to go with.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Walnutmaple
Feb 7, 2024
Shame about the car park toilet! - Efficient option to start of the walk spoilt only by the dreadful toilet in the car park. Given the price paid for the shuttle and 4 attendants on duty, keeping it clean should be quite easy. It was filthy and swarming with blow flies. Those on the trail were fine!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sage_w
Dec 17, 2023
They'll get you there, just jump on the bus that suits you. - Mostly works as advertised. The only hiccup was that I was told to be there at 6:45 and that the bus would leave at 7. I was waiting there at 6:45 and the bus got full and left. Of course, another bus came at 7 to take us, but I didn't know that... Thought they just left us because it was full. So I called and the conversation was... difficult. Lots of confusion, "who are you, where are you, why aren't you on the bus, etc". So, keep in mind they run multiple buses for an hour, you can just get in whichever one that arrives. No one checks who is who.
Review provided by Viator
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