You're planning to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. You're looking forward to a break away.
But first you'll need to sort out some logistics. How best to get to and from the hike?
You'll need to take a shuttle. But which type of shuttle?
A one way shuttle, or a return shuttle?
In this article you'll learn the difference between a one way shuttle and a return shuttle.
After reading this article it'll be easier for you to decide which type of shuttle is best for you.
Why even need a shuttle for the Tongariro Crossing? Here's why: the track is point to point. It starts on the western side of Tongariro and finishes on the Northern flanks.
So unless you have a personal chauffeur, or you plan to walk 20 km back to the start you need a shuttle.
Another reason you need a shuttle is there's a 4 hour limit at the car parks at both ends. To finish the Crossing in under 4 hours you'd need to run.
There're many companies operating shuttles to and from the Crossing. Some of these companies offer one way shuttles. The way this works is you drive to Ketetahi in the morning and park your car there for the day. A shuttle will take you to the start, and you'll walk back to your car.
There're pros and cons to everything in life. One way shuttles are no different.
- you're extra fast or extra slow. This option will give you flexibility at the finish.
- you stay in National Park, Whakapapa, Owhango or Ohakune the night before, and are leaving the area after the hike. You might save time if you are travelling south towards Wellington, or north toward Taupo. That's if you take State Highway 1 in either direction.
- you're doing a day trip from Turangi or Taupo this could be a good option for you.
If a one way shuttle is best for you, here's a couple of pro tips:
Another option is to take a return shuttle. In the morning a shuttle will pick you up from your accommodation. It will take you to the Mangatepopo start of the Crossing. In the afternoon the shuttle will pick you up from the finish at Ketetahi. It will take you back to your accommodation, or the National Park car park.
- you're wanting a stress free morning where you roll out of bed and onto the shuttle.
- you're looking for convenience in the afternoon. Where you get picked up from Ketetahi and taken back to your accommodation.
- you're wanting the least amount of travel time to the start. Depending on where you stay and which company you choose.
- you're wanting to start as early as possible
- you're an average hiker. As long as the shuttle company has a good range of afternoon pick up times
- you're staying in National Park, Whakapapa, Ohakune after the hike. You'll save time to the start, and dollars.
- you're more comfortable about leaving your car parked at your accommodation.
- you're not staying after the hike. And are travelling south towards Wanganui, or north toward Taumarunui.
Here's a couple of pro tips if a return shuttle is best for you:
Now you know the difference between a one way shuttle and a two way shuttle.
To finish up here're some factors to consider when choosing which type of shuttle is best for you:
It should now be easier for you to decide which type of shuttle service is best for you. If not, contact us. We're always very happy to help.
Return trip from | Distance | Fuel cost | Total cost |
National Park | 66 km | $15.18 | $52.14 |
Whakapapa | 60 km | $13.80 | $47.40 |
Ohakune | 134 km | $30.82 | $105.86 |
Owhango | 107 km | $24.61 | $84.53 |
Taupo | 146 km | $33.58 | $115.34 |
Turangi | 47 km | $10.81 | $37.13 |
Notes for the above table:
1. The distance travelled is to Ketetahi from the listed town, and return to the same town.
2. Fuel costs are calculated at $2.80 per litre for 95 octane petrol at an average fuel consumption of 8l/100 kilometres.
3. Total costs are calculated using 79 cents per kilometre which is the official IRD rate. Actual costs of owning and operating a car are generally higher than this rate.
Return trip from | Total cost | Cost/person |
National Park | $125.82 | $63 |
Whakapapa | $121.08 | $61 |
Ohakune | $179.54 | $90 |
Owhango | $158.21 | $79 |
Taupo | $189.02 | $95 |
Turangi | $110.81 | $55 |
Notes for the above table:
1. Total Cost includes cost of driving your own vehicle and the shuttle fare for two people.
2. Cost/person is calculated for two people.
3. One way shuttle fare for two people is calculated using $73.68 for two people. This includes booking fees.
Return trip from | Cost | Cost/person |
National Park | $88.89 | $44 |
Whakapapa | $87.48 | $44 |
Ohakune | $104.50 | $52 |
Owhango | $98.29 | $49 |
Taupo | $107.26 | $54 |
Turangi | $85.49 | $42 |
Notes for the above table:
1. Cost includes fuel cost of driving your own vehicle and the shuttle fare for two people.
2. Cost/person is calculated for two people.
3. The one way shuttle fare for two people is calculated using $73.68 for two people. This includes booking fees.
Check out this planning guide for the Tongariro Crossing. It gives you all the information you need to help make your adventure a memorable one.
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