(2021) Everything to know about Mt Ruapehu Carparking and Shuttles | 2021 Season

As of the 25th of July 2020, Mt Ruapehu has a new 'online carpark booking' system in order to manage the flow of traffic throughout the season - and avoid congestion on those busy days.

This in recent years has been a common concern of travelers visiting Mt Ruapehu - as often carpark capacity was reached in the very early hours of the morning - meaning your only options to get up to enjoy the snow meant catching a shuttle or waiting in the long queues until parks were free.

What you need to know in order to not miss out:

 BOOK HERE>> https://www.mtruapehu.com/parking

• You will need to PRE-BOOK a parking space for 6 WEEKENDS IN THE SEASON ONLY.Every other day DOES NOT require booking.
  
  > 31st July/1st August
  

  > 7th/8th August
  > 14th/15th August
  > 21st/22nd August
  > 28th/29th August
  > 4th/5th September

• Season and Life Pass holders do not need to book on these weekends. 
• Your car's license plate will be used to verify your vehicle once you arrive.
• Bookings can be made on the Mt Ruapehu website
• Bookings will be free of charge
• There are approximately 1800 car parks at each of the ski fields
  
  

What are the options if I cannot get up the mountain?

There are a number of local shuttle/bus operators who can take you up from a number of locations. We have gathered EVERY option below to help you decide which one is going to work best for you...

Where do you want to depart from?

From Whakapapa Village
From National Park Township (Recommended)
From Turangi
From Taupo
From Ohakune

 

From Whakapapa Village

Due to the 3 Hour parking limit that has been put in place for 2021 - we wouldn't recommend booking any shuttles from Whakapapa Village UNLESS you are staying in the accommodation there.

From National Park Township (Recommended)

We would highly recommend booking your shuttles the night before with any of the operators below. Choose a pickup time, and arrive at '1 WARD ST, NATIONAL PARK' (PARK N RIDE) 15 mins before your departure. This is the most convenient and cost-effective solution to getting up the Bruce Rd when there are restrictions. 

If you prefer to use chains, we have a range of high-quality chains for you to purchase - starting at $145

Please note, you cannot hire chains in Turangi, National Park or Whakapapa Village.

Ruapehu Scenic Shuttles	Details
Timetable	From Park n Ride, or specified location. Bus runs on-demand or hourly.
Pricing	Adult: $20 per person | Child: $20
Other info	Book Online or call +642041114648

National Park Shuttles	Details
Timetable	Pickup Park 'N Ride, National Park. Depature 8.15am or 9.30am, return 3.00pm or 4.15pm.
Pricing	Adult: $30 / Child: $15
Other info	Book online or call 027 394 1498

Summit Shuttles	Details
Timetable	Pickup from National Park Village Park and Ride (1 Ward St National Park Village). Multiple departure options. See Website
Pricing	Adult: $35 per person | Child: $10
Other info	Book Online or call on day Phone: 0800 828 294

Ruapehu Mtn Transport	Details
Timetable	8.15am, 9.15am, and 10.15am from Park 'N Ride National Park Village. Returns 2.15pm, 3.15pm and 4.15pm
Pricing	$30 Adult Return / $30 Kid return Family (2AD/2CH) $100
Other info	Book Online | Full details

Tongariro Volcanic Adventures	Details
Timetable	Departs on demand. Pickup from location or as stated
Pricing	Adult: $25 per person return
Other info	Book ahead or call on day Phone: 07 892 2870 Full details

My Kiwi Adventure	Details
Timetable	On demand pickup from your location in either national park village or whakapapa village
Pricing	$40 per person
Other info	Bookings Recommended | Phone:  0800 784 202 More info

From Turangi to Whakapapa

Backyard Tours	Details
Timetable	Departs 7.30am | Returns 4.00pm Pickup from your location
Pricing	Adult: $50 per person | Child: (0 - 16yrs) $30 per person
Other info	Book Online | Phone: +64 22 314 2656 | +64 7 386 5322 Full details

Adventure HQ	Details
Timetable	Departs Turangi 8.45
Pricing	$59 Adult / $49 Child / 2 Adults 2 Kids $180 Return
Other info	Book Online | Phone: 0800 247 800 Full details

From Taupo to Whakapapa

Adventure HQ	Details
Timetable	Departs Taupo 8.00am
Pricing	$59 Adult / $49 Child / 2 Adults 2 Kids $180 Return
Other info	Book Online | Phone: 0800 247 800 Full details

Ohakune to Turoa

Ruapehu Mtn Transport	Details
Timetable	7.45am, 9.00am, and 10.15am departure from multiple locations. Returns 2.15pm, 3.15pm and 4.15pm
Pricing	$30 Adult Return / $30 Kid return Family (2AD/2CH) $100
Other info	Book Online Full details