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
(67 Ratings)
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Sunshine12921046767
Feb 12, 2025
Highly Recommend Backyard Tours! - My wife and I booked Backyard Tours for their return shuttle service to Tongariro Alpine Walks. They were very friendly and communicative! Providing frequent updates to us! On top of that they were very punctual with their pick up service! Highly recommend their team!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mattanderikar
Jan 31, 2025
More than just a shuttle ride! - I highly recommend this shuttle company. Brendan and Gloria were prompt, professional, friendly, and so knowledgeable about the region. We loved learning more about the Māori culture and history of the region as we traveled to and from our hike. It was also extremely convenient to be picked up and dropped off right outside of our accommodation. Finally, the cold drink at the end of an amazing but long and challenging hike was such a thoughtful touch!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X3309hbcharlief
Jan 27, 2025
Absolutely amazing 🤩 - We booked the round trip for the 28th of January, our pickup time was 5:30 am from right outside our accommodation (river stone backpackers) Gloria (our driver) was there bang on time and welcomed us into a really comfy and clean van, we then went and picked up some other travellers and went on our way. All throughout the drive Gloria was telling us all about the area and history such as the battle between the warriors (volcanoes) and lots of other incredibly interesting info. She also briefed us about safety, things we should definitely have with us for the walk and how to best respect the area. After we had, had an amazing walk Gloria was there again waiting for us at the end with a lovely cold drink, we then went to visit a viewpoint and we all got back safe and sound. If staying in Turangi I would definitely go for Backyard Tours again!!! Thankyou so much Gloria
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Tylab610
Jan 27, 2025
definitely would recommend - we booked the round trip shuttle, Gloria arrived bang on time right outside our accommodation to take us to the crossing, she was so lovely to talk to and gave us a good briefing of what to expect during the hike which made me feel more prepared, aswell as educating us on the history and landscapes around us on the drive. Lastly she was waiting for us at the end of the walk with a lovely complementary cold drink for completing the crossing and then took us to an amazing look out point before taking us home safely!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hermisi
Jan 27, 2025
This mountain is good to walk, but the road is long and sunny! The scenery is beautiful, so the connection is excellent. - The driver is very timely, the explanation is funny! He also specially bypassed his private attractions! I liked he cared very much about our journey, we came back shortly from the mountain, he was the first to pick up our car at the parking lot. That's great!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navigator26093365906
Jan 19, 2025
Best transport/tour provider for Alpine Crossing! - Brendan from Backyard Tours was an amazing tour provider for our hike today! He was punctual and communicated throughout providing information for pick up service which made it easy and straight forward. He was friendly throughout our time with him and took time to explain Māori history and culture as well providing blessings for our safety before and after the hike. Being greeted with an ice cold L&P after a long day was the perfect ending! Thanks to Brendan and Backyard tours, couldn’t recommend you enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eric_r
Jan 14, 2025
Great trip - The driver was perfect, he wasn’t late, he had a good energy and was enthusiastic, he also drove really well.
Review provided by Viator
Taylorsk1331vj
Jan 14, 2025
Great experience! - Stellar service! Brendan is a fantastic host, very professional and friendly. Serves you a drink at the end of the tour which is MUCH needed. Kia ora!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Soowai_e
Feb 17, 2025
Wish pick up time is a bit more flexible - When I booked the transfer/shuttle for the trailhead drop off and pick up, I didn't realize there is only one pick up time which was latest at 230pm. If I exceeded that schedule, there will be additional charge. I wish I could have one more hour to complete the trail. The rush did affected my full enjoyment of the hike. Other than that, we fully appreciate the transfer service provided by Brenden and his wife and their friendliness.
Review provided by Viator
Celestial_magpie
Feb 9, 2025
Amazing hike with a couple hiccups! - The hike itself is amazing! We were lucky with some of the best weather of the season. The crossing is a challenge, mostly due to weather and length more than elevation gain. I shed cold layers to put on sun protection laters, so be sure to plan accordingly! I did it with poles, which proved to be really useful on the scree descent. Lovely varied landscape and fascinating geology! Note: it’s not mentioned in the itinerary, but you do have to register online that you’re doing the crossing. We completed it upon starting the trek, as there was a ranger checking confirmations. Why I docked a star: communication with the tour company wasn’t great. They checked in with me via text to confirm my reservation, but then gave confusing directions to a pickup spot. We were driving around in the dark and missed our shuttle - though the vibe was chill and we got on the next bus. Then at the trail end I called about the shuttle pickup, and was told we were to walk to our van at the parking lot since we were just shy of a kilometer away. This wasn’t the worst, but I did pay for round trip and a “celebratory drink” that never materialized either. All in all, really loved the hike itself and I can look past the minor inconveniences - do recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor