Welcome to Tongariro! Below we’ve listed out some of the most common questions we get asked about the Crossing. If there’s anything we’ve missed, or you’re still not sure about please get in touch with us here. We’re here to make your trip to the Tongariro Crossing the perfect one!
WHERE IS TONGARIRO CROSSING?
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is located within Tongariro National Park, on the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) of New Zealand. The National Park is almost equidistant between both Auckland and Wellington, and takes a little over 4 hours to drive from either city to the park itself.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?
Water (Minimum of 1-2 litres), lunch, Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc.), sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots/shoes, walking trousers, 1 light top and 2 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers. NO DENIM!), Waterproof raincoat and don’t forget your camera!
NON ATTENDANCE POLICY
No refunds or credits will be provided if you fail to advise any amendments to the booking or fail to report at the venue of the operator with the appropriate vouchers issued for that booking on the day and time booked.
If you cancel within 24 hours of your tour date, you will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
LATE FEE POLICY
If you miss or are late for our last shuttle at 6 pm, you will incur a late fee. This fee will either be a minimum of $50 OR $20 per person.
HOW LONG IS THE TONGARIRO CROSSING?
This challenging trip begins at 1120 m, climbs the Mangatepopo Valley to the saddle between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe, and goes through South Crater before climbing again to Red Crater, the highest point on the crossing at 1886 m.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE EVENT OF BAD WEATHER?
Summit Shuttles’ service is weather dependent, and we reserve the right to cancel trips at short notice for the safety of our customers.
If we need to cancel due to poor or unsafe weather conditions on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, we offer a transfer on your ticket to another day that suits you or a full refund. You must email the office for this refund or transfer to occur.
If you cancel within 24 hours of your tour date, you will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
READY TO BOOK? RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW!
WHAT WILDLIFE WILL I SEE AT TONGARIRO CROSSING?
This is the perfect habitat for a variety of New Zealand’s native birds. In forested areas, you may see bellbird/korimako, tūī, New Zealand robin/toutouwai, tomtit/miromiro, fantail/pīwakawaka, and maybe New Zealand’s smallest bird, the rifleman/titipounamu.
Part of the shuttle fee helps the Department of Conservation with conservation projects.
A WORLD HERITAGE SITE
In 1993, Tongariro became the first property to be inscribed on the World Heritage List under the revised criteria describing cultural landscapes. The mountains at the heart of the park have cultural and spiritual significance to Ngāti Tuwharetoa and symbolise the spiritual links between this community and its environment. The park has active and extinct volcanoes, a diverse range of ecosystems and some remarkable landscapes.
The continued occupation by Ngāti Tuwharetoa in this environment ensures the cultural, spiritual and environmental values are protected and shared with all those who encounter this dynamic landscape.