Book your Tongariro Crossing Shuttle
Professional Service with Modern Shuttles
Hot tips
1. Start at 5:30am to avoid the crowds. Enjoy cooler temperatures and a mountain sunrise.
2. Only choose the 8am start if you’re confident you can finish by 4pm and are comfortable hiking with crowds.
Book Your Shuttle Here
Experience the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with ease and efficiency
Our partner Tongariro Crossing shuttle service departs directly from Discovery Lodge, offering the closest and most convenient transport to the Mangatepopo trailhead. Begin your hike without the stress of early-morning driving or complicated logistics.
After completing your journey at Ketetahi, our return shuttle will be ready to bring you comfortably back to Discovery Lodge. This seamless, round-trip transfer allows you to focus entirely on the experience — not the transport.
By starting your walk earlier than most, you’ll enjoy a quieter trail, a stunning mountain sunrise, and cooler hiking conditions. Whether you’re staying with us or visiting for the day, our Tongariro Crossing return shuttle provides the simplest and most reliable way to complete New Zealand’s most famous one-day trek.
Early start available
Enjoy peace and quiet, a mountain sunrise & cooler temperatures
Free cancellation
Cancel or change your booking anytime for a full refund
Convenience
Stay at Discovery, roll out of bed and onto the shuttle. No need to drive your car.
Highly experienced
You're in safe hands. With 20 + years of experience with weather and safety.
Why Hikers Choose Our Tongariro Return Shuttle
You’re not just booking a ride — you’re unlocking a smoother, safer, and more memorable alpine experience. Here’s what sets us apart:
Catch the Sunrise, Beat the Crowds
Picked Up at Discovery Doorstep
Hike with total peace of mind
Flexible booking & free cancelations
Free all day parking
Trusted by Hikers Worldwide
Have Questions?
Our Tongariro shuttle service departs from Discovery Lodge early in the morning at 5:30am, letting you start the Crossing at sunrise. If you wish to sleep in we have a 6:45am and a 8:00am. Return shuttles pick you up at the end of the track at 1:00pm, 2:30pm and 4pm and bring you back to Discovery.
The shuttle picks up hikers directly from Discovery Lodge and drops you at the Mangatepopo trailhead, the official start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. At the end, we pick you up at Ketetahi carpark and return you to the lodge.
Most hikers complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in 6–8 hours, depending on your fitness level, pace, and photo stops along the way.
We prioritise your safety. If weather conditions are unsafe, the Tongariro shuttle service may be canceled, with options to reschedule or receive a full refund.
Yes! Guests can enjoy free, secure parking at Discovery Lodge when taking our Tongariro shuttle. No need to worry about arranging transport or leaving your car at the trailhead.
Absolutely. Tongariro Alpine Crossing shuttles fill up quickly during peak season, so booking ahead guarantees your spot and ensures a stress-free start to your hike.
No need to move your vehicle until you arrive back from the hike.