Tours - One of the easiest ways to experience the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the rest of North Island is by joining a tour from Auckland. Get to Mangatepopo car park take Mangatepopo Road off State Highway 47 for 7km to the car park. Take to the skies in a scenic flight and witness the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park in all … Alternatively, you can take the taxi to Tongariro National Park. Bus operators. Find all the transport options for your trip from Tongariro National Park to Wellington right here. • How hard is the Tongariro Crossing? What boots or shoes should I wear for the Tongariro Crossing? Tongariro National Park is located in the central North Island. Check out our other blog posts about the Crossing! Flights to Tongariro National Park: You can’t fly to directly to Tongariro, the nearest airports are Taupo (1.5 hours, 105km / 60 miles), Whanganui (2 hours 145km / 90 miles) and Palmerston North (3 hours, 215 km / 135 miles). Shuttle buses meet the national buses and trains at National Park Village and Ohakune. To get from Wellington to the towns of Ohakune or National Park, on the edge of the Tongariro National Park, you may have to go via Palmerston North and change buses there. Am I fit enough to hike it? Tongariro National Park holds dual UNESCO World Heritage Site status that recognises its Maori cultural and spiritual significance as well as its outstanding natural landscape.. Ideal for travellers short on time, this morning or afternoon half-day tour takes in some of the park… Check out a 3-day Tongariro Trekker tour from Auckland! Located on the Northern Island of the country, the place boasts the presence of three volcanoes that are active. Sound out Colin who contributes to the NZ forums. National Park Shuttles offers a friendly service ensuring your journey with us is safe and reliable. • The Iconic Chateau Tongariro• Skotel (a good mid-range and backpacker option)• Whakapapa Holiday Park (tent sites, camper vans, backpacker and private cabin accommodations). Home to three active volcanic mountains, and iconic and majestic landscapes, Tongariro National Park has attracted adventurers of all ages since 1887. In a bid to improve people’s enjoyment of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the Department of Conservation (DOC) is urging people planning to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing this summer to use shuttle services from the local towns around Tongariro National Park. National Park Shuttles. We have reviews of the best places to see in Tongariro National Park. It takes approximately 2h 22m to get from Rotorua to … To the north, you'll find Taupo, a bustling tourist town on Lake Taupo. Tongariro is New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual World Heritage area. There is no direct connection from Taupō to Tongariro National Park. Top Things to Do in Tongariro National Park, Manawatu-Wanganui Region: See Tripadvisor's 5,742 traveller reviews and photos of 24 things to do when in Tongariro National Park. How to prepare for the Crossing and what to pack. As a handy stopping off point in the centre of North Island, there is plenty on offer for those seeking relaxation, but thrill seekers will also find their fair share of adventure. Check out the local National Park Village accommodation page for different options in the village and nearby areas. Tongariro National Park How to Get Around: Check out Viator's reviews and photos of Tongariro National Park tours For local information, see the Visit Ruapehu website and the National Park Village website. The main trunk railway between Auckland and Wellington passes through National Park Village and Ohakune. How to Get to Tongariro National Park Tongariro National Park is in the heart of the Manawatu-Wanganui Region, in the central-west portion of New Zealand's North Island. It is on the western side of the park, on State Highway 48. Have a look at the official local website to explore the different accommodation options.Ohakune• Driving time from Auckland: 4h20m – 5h• Driving time to start of the Crossing: 45 minutesOhakune is located on the southern edge of the Tongariro National Park (the Tongariro Crossing is near the northern end), so it takes a little longer to get here from Auckland and longer to get to the start of the Crossing but can be well worth it. Alternatively, you can take the taxi to Tongariro National Park. How long does it take to get from Rotorua to Tongariro National Park? Things to Do in Tongariro National Park, Manawatu-Wanganui Region: See Tripadvisor's 11,666 traveller reviews and photos of Tongariro National Park attractions. It's essential to book a shuttle, and you will have to estimate what afternoon shuttle you'd like to catch based on how long you think the Crossing will take you. Descending to the Emerald Lakes, Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park is in the central North Island of New Zealand, Mangatepopo Carpark, start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Copyright 2017 Sole Ventures. To the west of Tongariro, you'll find Egmont National Park home to another volcano, Mount Taranaki. What is the weather like on the Crossing and when is the best time to hike it? Check out a 3-day Tongariro Trekker tour from Auckland! It has been acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site of mixed cultural and natural values. Turangi• Driving time from Auckland: 3h50m – 4h30m• Driving time to start of the Crossing: 40 minutesTurangi is situated between the Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo so it can make for a great staging point if you are doing a few different activities in the area, in particular, it is also a popular destination for trout fishing with many fantastic fishing spots nearby. Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai, https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/central-north-island/places/tongariro-national-park/getting-there/. Start of the Tonagriro Alpine Crossing: Mangatepopo CarparkEnd of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Ketetahi Carpark. However, you can take the bus to 118 Heuheu St, take the walk to Taupo, take the bus to Turangi, then take the taxi to Tongariro National Park. The train runs three days per week going south and three days per week going north. Three – Catch a shuttle from your accommodation to the start of the hike, then a return shuttle at the end of the hike.The other option is to catch a shuttle to the start, and from the end of the Crossing once you are finished, some accommodation operators will provide a shuttle and there are many licensed operators in the area to choose from. This small town is surrounded by native bush and tussock and has plenty to offer with nearby mountain biking, an indoor climbing wall, and a small supermarket. There are several accommodation options available in National Park Village, so it's best to have a browse and decide for yourself! Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. The oldest national park of New Zealand, Tongariro National Park is a famous tourist destination which you can check out with your dear ones. However, you can take the bus to Taupo, take the bus to Turangi, then take the taxi to Tongariro National Park. • Driving time from Auckland: 4h10m – 4h40m • Driving time to start of the Crossing: 20 minutes Whakapapa Village is nestled against the base of Mount Ruapehu, the North Islands tallest mountain, surrounded by beautiful beech forests and offered some fantastic short walks and a gateway to Whakapapa ski field, it's also the closest township to the start of the Tongariro Crossing, so you only have a quick trip to the beginning of the hike. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Napier to Tongariro National Park via Taupo, Taupo, and Mangatepopo in around 4h 48m. State highways surround the park and lead to key access points. Buses - There are a few different options for buses to the Tongariro National Park area, the most direct is catching the Auckland to Palmerston North bus which passes directly through National Park Village and Ohakune. How to get to the Tongariro National Park Most visitors arrive in New Zealand via Auckland and then travel by road to reach the Tongariro Crossing, you can join a tour from Auckland, hire a car, rent a campervan, get on a bus or catch a train to make your way south. If taxi, how much is it ? InterCity Coachlines. Location Tongariro National Park is located in the central North Island of New Zealand. A variety of shuttle bus services are available to Whakapapa Village and hiking tracks from the nearby towns. However, you can take the bus to Turangi then take the taxi to Tongariro National Park. But have a read below of places to stay and then have a look at the bus timetables to make a decision, the InterCity website is an excellent place to start. There is now a new shuttle car park at the end of the Crossing on Ketetahi Road, multiple companies offer parking and shuttles to the start of the Crossing from here. The park was gifted to the nation of New Zealand in 1887 by Horonuku Te Heuheu, the chief of the Ngati Tuwharetoa tribe. The nearest towns are Taumarunui, National Park Village, Ohakune and Tūrangi. Help us improve the DOC website on mobile in less than 5 min. Getting to the beginning of the hike has changed a bit in recent years, as there is a four-hour parking limit between Labour Weekend (October) and the 30th April in the DOC carparks at both Mangatepopo and Ketetahi. By road - It usually takes around four hours (without stops) to reach the Tongariro National Park from both Auckland and Wellington, there are several nearby towns and places to stay, read below for more info! Its prime location in the centre of the north island makes it easily accessible by all means of transport. There are also sightseeing flights available from Taupo, Tūrangi and Mt Ruapehu airstrips. How to Get to the Tongariro National Park. There is no direct connection from Napier to Tongariro National Park. Tongariro National Park is a vast protected wilderness, home to three towering snow-capped volcanoes - Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. Bus operators. These drive times are to Whakapapa village, where the main visitor centre and entry point into the national park. The nearest towns are Taumarunui, National Park Village, Ohakune and Tūrangi. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is an incredible 19km journey through the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO Dual World Heritage Park recognised for its spiritual and cultural significance as well as its outstanding volcanic features.The trail takes in some of the most dramatic landscapes you will ever see — cold mountain springs, ancient lava flows, steam vents and the spectacular Emerald Lakes. Planning to hike the Tongariro Crossing involves a lot, this post has all the info you need on how to get to the Tongariro National Park, places to stay and how to organize tours or transport for the Crossing itself. Train - The Northern Explorer train travels between Auckland and Wellington with stops at both National Park Village and Ohakune. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. More details. Check out the 3-day Tongariro Trekker tour that includes the Waitomo Caves, Tongariro Crossing, Taupo, Huka Falls, Hot pools and more! The nearest towns are Turangi, National Park and Ohakune. For less time climbing, start from the Mangatepopo car park and end at Ketetahi. Located right on the shore of New 'Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo, it has dozens of great activities, places to stay and dining options on offer, the local website provides a great directory. It is easily accessed by road, and is only a 4-5 hour drive from either Auckland or Wellington. We provide a daily shuttle service to the almighty Tongariro Alpine Crossing and also specialise in private transfers making it easy for you to get around quickly, conveniently and comfortably. Many people choose this option as it is a hassle-free way to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, not only will you have an experienced local guide, but you can choose a tour that explores other regions of the North Island at the same time. Am I fit enough to hike it. The Tongariro National Park is about 1.5 hours' drive from Taupo, the nearest city. Rome2rio makes travelling from Tongariro National Park to Wellington easy. There is no direct connection from Huka Falls (Station) to Tongariro National Park. Please note that the carpark operation is seasonal and weather dependent, so be sure to check with them closer to the time, bookings are essential – see the different options for shuttles. Daily national bus services are available to and from Ohakune, Taumarunui, National Park, Whakapapa Village and Tūrangi. The pretty town of Ohakune is the southern entrance to the park, and to Turoa ski field. 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