There is a four-hour time restriction for private vehicles at the Mangatepopo Road-end. Therefore the best way to experience the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is to book a shuttle.
Your guide or shuttle provider will generally pick you up from your accommodation, or meet at an agreed time in nearby National Park Village. You will be dropped at the start of the track at Mangatepopo to commence the walk. We highly recommend using a guide as ice, snow and changing conditions are present.