Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Return shuttle from Ohakune

About This Experience

This is a return shuttle for walkers staying in Ohakune. Dempsey Buses takes you to the Mangatepopo road end in the morning and collects you at Ketetahi when you finish. DOC lists Ohakune 48 km from the Crossing, which is farther than National Park Village (13.5 km) and nearer than Taupō (86.5 km). Because the track is one-way and DOC says there is no summer parking at Mangatepopo for Crossing walkers, the shuttle covers both ends.

Pickup is included, but the listing does not name pickup points. It says only to check availability for details, so confirm where in Ohakune your driver will meet you before the day. The listing says the price covers transport to the start at Mangatepopo and pickup from the finish at Ketetahi, plus a safety briefing and a choice of return times. Your voucher carries the pickup time.

The walk is about 19.4 km (DOC; some operators round it to 20 km). It climbs from Mangatepopo at 1120 m to Red Crater at 1886 m, then drops to Ketetahi Road at 760 m. Plan on 7 to 8 hours in summer and about 9 in winter. You pass Soda Springs, Red Crater, Emerald Lakes and Blue Lake. DOC lists toilets every 1 to 2 hours and says water on the track is not drinkable, so carry 2 to 3 liters.

This listing has 19 reviews at 4.8 and no low-star reviews to report, so the picture is a short one. As with any scheduled return run, a fast walker may wait at Ketetahi for the next bus. Look at the return times when you book and pick the one that fits your pace. The vehicles are air-conditioned with seat belts, according to the listing, and the drivers are described as fully trained.

Highlights

• Pickup in Ohakune, with the shuttle covering both ends of the one-way track
• A choice of return times, so you can walk at your own pace
• The route passes Soda Springs, Red Crater, Emerald Lakes and Blue Lake
• Ohakune is 48 km from the Crossing, according to DOC
• Air-conditioned, low-emission vehicles with seat belts, per the listing
• Fully trained drivers, per the listing

What's Included

• ✓ Transport from Ohakune to the Mangatepopo start
• ✓ Pickup from the Ketetahi finish and the ride back to Ohakune
• ✓ Pickup included (details shown when you check availability)
• ✓ A safety briefing
• ✓ A choice of return times
• ✓ Air-conditioned vehicles with seat belts

Not Included

• Food and drinks for the day
• Hiking shoes, rain gear and other clothing
• A guide (you walk the track yourself)

What to Bring

• Water (DOC advises 2 to 3 liters)
• Packed lunch and food
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Rain gear
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Good to Know & Caveats

• Bookings show free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. The listing gives no weather-cancellation rule of its own, so ask Dempsey Buses if the forecast turns.
• DOC's free online booking is recommended for everyone, and required if you use a shuttle or guide.
• The listing does not print its pickup points or return times. Confirm both on your voucher.
• The listing does not allow sandals, high heels, bare feet, pets, drones, bikes or swimming. DOC lists sturdy boots as essential.
• DOC says shuttles generally do not run in winter, so check the season before you book.

Meeting Point

Your Ohakune pickup point; the listing does not name it, so confirm the place and time on your voucher.