If you’re hiking the Tongariro Crossing, you’ll need to organise a shuttle transfer to and/or from the track. I recommend booking with Tongariro Expeditions purely because I’ve used them in the past, but there are plenty of tour companies. Tickets are around $60 for the Alpine Crossing, and your driver will either pick you up from your accommodation or a meeting point, depending on where you choose to stay.

There are multiple pickup times, but I recommend going as early as possible. We usually start walking by 7 am, which allows us to avoid most of the crowds.

If you're not hiking The Crossing, Tongariro Expeditions also offers shuttle services for the Northern Circuit. If you're planning to hike the Northern Circuit, make sure you check in with the DOC Visitors Centre before you hike and get a free long-term parking permit to avoid having your car towed.