Explore Tongariro: Ultimate Hiking Guide for Volcano Lovers & Adventure Seekers

First, select your hiking route based on your available travel time and physical fitness (Figure 2). This article will guide you through the one-day Alpine Crossing hiking adventure.

🌋 **Route Basics and Duration** (Figure 3)
Discover essential details about the trail, including its length and estimated completion time.

🌋 **Getting There** (How to get there?) (Figure 4)
1. 🚗 **Self-Driving + One-Way Shuttle Bus** 🚌
– **Recommended Accommodation**: Turangi Town or Motuoapa Bay – both are conveniently located near the end of the hike!
– **My Stay Experience** – Motuoapa Bay Holiday Park:
– **Room Type**: Motel with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities.
– **Environment**: Nestled next to Lake Taupo, offering stunning views, though it’s a bit far from restaurants and supermarkets.

1️⃣ Start by driving to the endpoint 🅿 Ketetahi Car Park, which is the final destination of the hike.
2️⃣ Take a one-way shuttle bus 🚍 ($60 NZD per person) to the starting point at Mangatepopo (a 25-minute ride).
3️⃣ Embark on a 6-8 hour trek, and finally arrive back at Ketetahi Car Park, where you can pick up your car and head straight back to your accommodation 🚙.

❗ **Group Travel Tip**: It’s more cost-effective when traveling in a group. The driver can drop off hikers at the starting point, then drive alone to the endpoint, park, and take the shuttle bus back to the starting point to join the group and begin the hike together 👣.

❗ **Parking Notice!** The Tongariro Crossing Car Park at the endpoint requires a fee! (Figures 5, 6)
– **Free Parking Option**: Park on both sides of SH46. GPS: 39°03’55.5″S 175°40’02.0″E (searchable on Google Maps). The shuttle bus pick-up point is also nearby.
– **Off-Season Parking Rules (May to October)**:
– From May to October, free parking is available at the Ketetahi endpoint or on the gravel road outside.

At other times, use the free parking on both sides of SH46.
– **Shuttle Bus Booking Reminder**: Generally, bookings open in October, so plan ahead!

2. 🚌 **No Self-Driving, Round-Trip Shuttle Bus** 🚌
– **Suitable For**: Those who don’t have a car or prefer not to drive.
– **Precautions**:
– During the peak season (November to April), book your bus in advance and manage your time well.
– There are three round-trip shuttle routes; choose the one that best suits your accommodation (Figure 7).

🌋 **Equipment, Supplies, and Toilets** (Figures 8, 9)
Make sure to pack all necessary gear, supplies, and be aware of the toilet locations along the trail.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comments 💬.