Turangi Tongariro: Authentic Maori-led Alpine Crossing Adventure in Volcanic Mountains

Embark on an authentic Maori-led adventure in the volcanic mountains of Turangi Tongariro. Experience Manaakitanga and Kaitiakitanga while hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Book now!

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

Start your day with our shuttle and transfer services, picking you up from your accommodation based on your chosen departure time. To enhance your understanding of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, we will share our local knowledge, culture, and stories, complementing your prior research. This information is provided as you travel to the heart of Tongariro…

What's Included
  • Maōri blessings and acknowledgements
  • Local friendly commentary
  • Complimentary celebratory drink
  • Free walking pole usage
  • Round-trip transport from Turangi
  • Access to free photography on social media
What's Not Included
  • Hiking guide
  • Meals and drinks
  • Boots or Clothing
Additional Information

Welcome to the heart of Tongariro National Park amongst our taonga treasured Volcanic Maunga Mountains Pihanga, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu like nowhere else in the World. On Journey enjoy our learnings about Manaakitanga
Locals of Ma**ri descent born and raised in Turangi Tongariro providing a niche transport service to Aotearoa New Zealand’s…

Location
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Off State Highway 48, Mangatepopo Valley, Whakapapa Village
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(56 Ratings)
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176peteq
Mar 9, 2024
Fantastic service, great driver! - Great service! Friendly and informative driver, shared a lot of information on the drive there and back, greeted us with a cold drink at the end, and gave us a Māori blessing before we started and at the finish. I would recommend this srvince to anyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Srday1
Mar 9, 2024
First class service at a fair price - I booked at really short notice for the early morning transfer to the Tongariro Crossing - was picked up right outside my door at exactly the time expected. Brendan the driver / owner of the business gave us interesting background information on the area en route. He was there to pick us up at the end exactly as planned - unexpected bonus was the free ice cold beer he offered to all on pickup… a very welcome bonus after a hot day on the crossing. Would highly recommend them to anyone who needs transport from the Turangi area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sunshine67672468764
Mar 1, 2024
Great experience! - Brendan was fantastic. My husband and I are slow walkers. Brendan ended up picking me up because I was late and my husband had to go back to the start. He was upbeat and was the best tour guide. The cold beer waiting for us was icing on the cake of an amazing day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F1393afsteveh
Feb 15, 2024
Great experience - Brendan is a legend. Friendly and informative and sticks to a timetable! Would definitely recommend using these folks next time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Veronica_n
Feb 14, 2024
Great shuttle ride - Our driver was kind, helpful and informative. He picked everyone up from Turangi around 5:30am and then went to the Ketetahi Car park to pick up more people. We got to the trail head at 6:30am. It's an early start to the hike which is necessary! It was really cold in the morning so make sure you have your layers!
Review provided by Viator
Dwight_w
Feb 13, 2024
Fun trip - Bus driver Darin was great. Very knowledgeable and fun. Had a great time. Nice walk across volcano….
Review provided by Viator
Lauraln504va
Feb 7, 2024
Need a transfer? Look no further! - Big thanks and 👏 to @backyard_tours for organizing my pick up with short notice, being absolutely friendly and on time, providing delicious refreshments at the end of the hike. The pick up at 5.30 was an early start but is the best option to leave the crowd behind and enjoy the walk and the views. Our driver Brendan was sharing information about the surroundings and made our ride to the Crossing fun and enjoyable. The company is flexible with the pick up at the end of the hike, and you will notify them at a certain point so they can arrange your transportation in a timely manner. The Māori prayers at the start and end of the trip were a beautiful touch to remind ourselves to respect the powerful Mother Nature and honor our ancestors.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roland_k
Feb 5, 2024
Amazing trip - It was an amazing trip on our honeymoon. The driver was super nice and the beer at the end of the track was spot on. Recommending it!
Review provided by Viator
Rachel_r
Jan 22, 2024
Great shuttle transfer with Backyard Tours! - Backyard Tours was wonderful! On time, friendly, super knowledgable, and made the whole crossing a smooth experience. Can't say enough wonderful things about Brendan. Mahalo from the Hawaiians. PLUS - cold beer at the end of our hike, cherry on top!!!!
Review provided by Viator
Samantha
Jan 22, 2024
Perfect small group pick-up from Turangi hotel to Tongariro crossing. - Pick up from hotel in Turangi was early (5:20am) and on time. Only had another couple getting picked up that day so we were able to start the hike around 6 before the big crowds. Return pick up was at 2:30pm at the end of the trail, which was more than enough time to complete the hike and have many stops to enjoy the views. Option of a beer or L&P soda for the ride back. Our driver Brandan was friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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