If you want the finest experience of this majestic and powerful landscape you need to start early. The early morning light is often spectacular, the air is fresh and you can enjoy serenity of the mountains away from the bustling crowds.
Our 6.00am shuttle is the earliest of any transport service to the start of the Crossing. This means you can take that perfect photograph of Red Crater or the Emerald Lakes without hundreds of tourists in the shot. It means you can complete over half the climbing before the sun starts beating down. And last but not least, going early means you can enjoy peace and quiet in the mountains away from the crowds.
Our modern bus seats 22 people so you do need to book. When the 6.00am bus is full, we then go at 6.30am, and then at 7.00am etc, until all our guests are on the Crossing.
3 Benefits of Booking Discovery Lodge's Earliest Tongariro Crossing Shuttle
1. You avoid the crowds and enjoy peace & quiet in the mountains.
2. Possible to complete most of the climbing before the hottest part of the day.
3. The chance to witness a spectacular Tongariro National Park sunrise.
Limited space, so bookings are essential.
If you would like to go later we can arrange this when you check in but we highly recommend you start as early as possible to have the best experience.
Safety and your enjoyment is our focus. We will brief you when you check in at Discovery Lodge to make sure you are prepared both physically and mentally. We will brief you on the weather the morning of the scheduled trip with the latest forecast. If the weather is dangerous we cancel our transport.
Ps – Some of the team here have completed the Crossing many times, and continue to walk or run over it (we can’t get enough of it actually) so we are very experienced and can give you the excellent advice.
Pss – Did you know you can save over two hours travel time if you do the Crossing from Discovery compared to going by bus from Taupo?
If you need more information have a look at
Tongariro Crossing Frequently Asked Questions or contact us. We are very happy to help.
For images of the Tongariro Crossing have a look at our Gallery.
