TONGARIRO CROSSING BOOKINGS
You Will Need a Valid Tongariro Crossing Booking
Since October 2023 hikers have needed to book the Tongariro Crossing – you will only be able to hike the crossing with a valid booking.
This was a major change as prior to this you did not need to book the Crossing.
Is there a fee to walk the Tongariro Crossing
From late 2027 there will be a small fee for visitors from overseas to walk the Tongariro Crossing.
Walking the crossing remains free for New Zealanders.
Click here for full detail on booking fee changes.
Do I Still Need to Book a Car Park for the Crossing?
Yes, you will separately need to book a car park and shuttle for the crossing.
It’s worth noting that you will get a refund for your car park and shuttle booking if bad weather prevents you from hiking the Tongariro Crossing.
How to Book the Crossing
The only place you can book the crossing is on the NZ Department of Conservation (DOC) website – click here to make a booking.
It’s important to note that you must make your own bookings.
When you make a booking you need to choose a specific day to walk the crossing, and you will receive a booking confirmation by email.
Why Do You Have to Book the Tongariro Crossing?
The reason hikers now need to book the Tongariro Crossing is that DOC needs to better manage visitor numbers to the Crossing.
Over the years, stakeholders have been questioning whether too many people doing the walk is a good thing for the local environment. Some days, there have been over 2,500 people crossing, which is a lot . . .
But there’s no need to stress about not getting a spot on the crossing just yet!
There are currently no restrictions on how many people can book on any given day.
However, this could change in the future, as DOC may to want to cap daily visitor numbers. If and when that happens, this webpage will be updated. Stay tuned.
Page last updated 2 September, 2026
