Kōrero ā Rohe
LOCAL INFORMATION
On-site Shuttles:
We are proud to partner with Dempsey’s Shuttles. This is not a free service. $55 return per adult and $30 return per child - over the age of 6 yrs old
You can purchase tickets online at www.dempseybuses.co.nz
Please make sure you book the evening prior
To Whakapapa Ski Field
(June to October only)
Tickets and schedule available from Holiday Park office
RETURN PRICE
Adult
Adult
$30
Child (3-14 yrs)
$25
Infant (under 3yrs)
$25
Family (2 Adults, 2 chn)
$100
Group rates (10 pax or more)
$20 per person (this includes children and infants
ONE WAY PRICE
Adult
$25
Child (0-14 yrs)
$15
To Tongariro Alpine Crossing
(October to April/May)
DAILY SCHEDULE
Whakapapa Holiday Park to the start
7:00am
8:00am
(5:45am earlybird shuttle on expected busy days only)
Crossing finish to Whakapapa Holiday Park
2.30pm
4.00pm
5.30pm
ONE WAY PRICE
Adult
$55
Child (6-14 yrs)
$35
NB: One way shuttle is available for Northern Circuit hikers $30 for Adults $25 for Children. Phone Holiday Park to enquire.
PLEASE ALSO NOTE: DEMPSEYS DO NOT TAKE CHILDREN UNDER 6 YEARS OLD. THIS IS THERE POLICY
Bus & Train Transfers
Please phone the Holiday Park office to organise a pick up or drop off to National Park Village train/bus station.
Whakapapa Village to National Park Village
Departs 11:50am
National Park Village to Whakapapa Village
Departs 1:20pm
For Intercity bus & Northern Explorer train transfers
RETURN PRICE
Adult
$35
Child (3-14 yrs)
$25
ONE WAY PRICE
Adult
$20
Child (3-14 yrs)
$15
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Ticket may be purchased online here. Please ensure you select pick up from Whakapapa. (Full refund will be given or date transferred if cancelled due to bad weather.)
Tickets may also be purchased at the Holiday Park office from the previous afternoon. You may also book directly with the driver (if seats are available) up to 15 minutes before departure (cash, credit card or eftpos accepted)
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Tickets will only be available if weather forecast is suitable.
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Everyone is accounted for at end of day.
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Late pick up provided if last shuttle missed (No charge unless late due to avoidable actions)
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Free pickup if you have returned to the start of the Crossing.
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Please note: Bookings not accepted for children under 7 years of age.
Tongariro National Park
The mountains at the heart of the national park have cultural and spiritual significance to the local iwi (tribe) Ngāti Tūwharetoa and symbolise the spiritual links between this community and their environment.
Tongariro National Park has active and extinct volcanoes, a diverse range of ecosystems and spectacular landscapes.
1880-1890s
The Crown sought to establish a National Park around Tongariro maunga (mountain).
In 1887, the generosity and foresight of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa people saw the heart of the mountainous area being made sacrosanct, with the intent that the Crown would stand alongside them to ensure the continued protection of Tongariro.
The Ariki (Chief) of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Horonuku te Heuheu Tukino IV enacted a tuku (an act of customary lore) of the three volcanic peaks (Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, Ruapehu) to protect and preserve the mountains for Ngāti Tūwharetoa, other iwi (tribes) and all New Zealanders. The intention of the tuku was to enter into a partnership with the Crown, at the time Queen Victoria of England, to ensure the continued protection of Tongariro.
By 1894, legal ownership of the sacred mountain peaks increased significantly from the original 2,640 hectare tuku into a 79,596 hectare surrounding area vested solely in the Crown. This act by the Crown began a process whereby the authority of Ngāti Tūwharetoa over the taonga (treasured heritage) in the Tongariro National Park being greatly reduced.
1990s
In 1993, Tongariro National Park was inscribed on the World Heritage List under the revised criteria describing cultural landscapes – the first in the world to hold Dual World Heritage classification.