About
Dempsey Buses offers a reliable Tongariro shuttle service and bus transport perfectly positioned between the Whanganui National Park and the World Heritage–listed Tongariro National Park. Based in the heart of the Ruapehu district, we provide convenient, comprehensive transport to the region’s leading attractions, walking tracks, and outdoor adventures. Our Tongariro shuttle services are top-rated by visitors who wish to explore these beautiful parks.
Our Tongariro shuttle and Ruapehu transport services cover a wide range of options, including:
- Transport to the world famous Tongariro Crossing
- Daily mountain biking shuttles for the Old Coach Road
- Transport for bikers and trampers to the very popular Bridge to Nowhere
- Transport for the Mountains to Sea Trail. This includes our efficient Tongariro shuttle services.
Tongariro Buses and Shuttles
Group Transport
We have a large range of buses available for charter from 8-12 seat minibuses through to 48 seat omnibuses. These include several 4×4 buses and minibuses. Contact us for a competitive group quote.
Ruapehu Mountain Transport
Snow Express is our mountain transport service that operates between Ohakune and the Turoa ski field during the winter ski season. Our friendly and highly experienced drivers will pick you up from any address in Ohakune and deliver you to the steps of Turoa. Additionally, pickups from out-lying areas can be arranged.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing Transport
Located in Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO Dual World Heritage site, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is widely regarded as one of the best one-day walks in the world. It is also the top-rated hike in New Zealand. For your convenience, our Tongariro shuttle provides easy access to this stunning journey.
This 19.5-kilometre trek takes approximately 7 to 8 hours to complete. It leads you through a dramatic volcanic landscape. You will pass strikingly coloured crater lakes and then down into lush native forest.
We only operate our services to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing when weather and track conditions are safe for independent walkers.
Mountain Bike Shuttle – The Ohakune Old Coach Road
The Ohakune Old Coach Road forms part of the Mountain to Sea Trail and it offers a link to the past history of the district whether you intend biking or hiking through this extremely popular track we have a daily shuttle service operating to the start/finish at Horopito. Contact us for pickup options from Ohakune or Raetihi.
Our Mountain bike shuttles for the Old Coach Road leave at 10am,12pm and 2pm over summer and 10am and 12pm over winter.
Ohakune Mountain Road Transport
This is the start of the Mountains to Sea Trail. Starting at 1645 metres in the Turoa ski field car park, this is a 17km downhill run. Along the way you will be treated to some magnificent views out over the Waimarino plains to a distant Mt Taranaki. You will then continue on down thru the natural beauty of the New Zealand rain forest. This journey ends when you reach Ohakune Township. For those needing a ride back, don’t worry, our Tongariro shuttle can cover this route.
Our Ohakune Mountain road shuttles ONLY operate over Summer and leave at 11am and 1pm.
Shuttle Mangapurua Track and Bridge to Nowhere
We supply a shuttle service for Hikers or Mountain Bikers into this very popular destination. It is considered to be one of New Zealand’s iconic Mountain Bike trails.
We will take you through a wilderness area of abandoned farmland. This land was opened up for settlement for soldiers returning home after the First World War. The settlement was a failure. The farms were abandoned when the Government stopped maintaining the road.
In conjunction with local jet boat operators we offer a transport service into the start of the track in the Ruatiti Valley and after being pickup by jet boat at the Bridge to Nowhere landing on the Whanganui River you will be jet boated down thru the magnificent scenery of the Whanganui River to Pipiriki where we will pick you up and transport you safely back to your starting point.
42nd Traverse Transfers
Known as one of New Zealand’s best mountain bike rides, this track follows an old logging road and is not for the faint-hearted as it includes steep ascents and descents along with a couple of river crossings. The starting point is off State Highway 47 and ending in the small village of Owhango on State Highway 4. Bookings are essential as this is an on-demand service. We can arrange a Tongariro shuttle service to any Mountain Bike trails.
Location
Where you'll find them
24 Seddon Street, Raetihi, Manawatu-Wanganui, 4632, New Zealand
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Does Dempsey Buses provide a shuttle to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?
Yes. Dempsey Buses provides Tongariro Alpine Crossing shuttle transport, helping walkers access the famous 19.5 km hiking track in Tongariro National Park. Services operate when weather and track conditions are considered safe for independent walkers.
How long does the Tongariro Alpine Crossing take?
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is approximately 19.5 km long and generally takes 7–8 hours to complete. The walk passes through volcanic landscapes, colourful crater lakes and native forest.
Does Dempsey Buses offer mountain bike shuttles in Ohakune?
Yes. Dempsey Buses provides mountain bike shuttle services for the Ohakune Old Coach Road, Ohakune Mountain Road, Mountains to Sea Trail, Mangapurua Track and 42nd Traverse.
What time do the Ohakune Old Coach Road shuttles depart?
Old Coach Road mountain bike shuttles are listed as departing at 10 am, 12 pm and 2 pm during summer, and 10 am and 12 pm during winter. Check the current timetable with Dempsey Buses before travelling.
Is there a shuttle from Ohakune to Turoa Ski Field?
Yes. Dempsey Buses operates the Snow Express mountain transport service between Ohakune and Turoa Ski Field during the winter ski season. Pickups are available from addresses in Ohakune, with outlying pickups by arrangement.
Can Dempsey Buses arrange transport to the Bridge to Nowhere?
Yes. Dempsey Buses offers transport for hikers and mountain bikers exploring the Mangapurua Track and Bridge to Nowhere. Trips can include coordinated jet boat transport on the Whanganui River and return transfers from Pipiriki.
Does Dempsey Buses offer private bus charters for groups?
Yes. Dempsey Buses provides group transport and private bus charters throughout the Ruapehu region, with vehicles ranging from 8–12 seat minibuses to 48-seat buses, including 4×4 options. Contact the team for a group quote.
How do I book a Tongariro shuttle or mountain bike transfer?
Visit the Dempsey Buses website to view transport options and make an enquiry. You can also check the current shuttle timetable for available services and departure information.
Enquire
Nearby
Places to stay nearby
Places to stay nearby so you can make more of your visit.
Feilding Self-Contained Accommodation – Park View Home Away from Home
Adventure Lodge & Motel | National Park Motel & Tongariro Shuttle
Mt Ruapehu Holiday Home | The Old Post Office, Ōwhango
National Park Village Lodge | Pipers Lodge
Aubyn Court Spa Motel – Luxury Palmerston North Accommodation
Ossie’s Chalets & Motels – Ohakune Accommodation