Tongariro Northern Circuit starts and ends in Whakapapa Village.

There are overnight parking areas in the village – visit the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre for directions to these areas and to receive a free parking permit.

Public transport is an option. Bus and train services run to National Park Village, on route between Auckland and Wellington and 15 km from Whakapapa Village. Local shuttle services provide transfers to Whakapapa Village. 

The track can also be accessed from parking areas at:

• Mangatepopo Road end, off SH 47. Note, there is a 4-hour parking restriction at the Mangatepopo road end throughout the Great Walk season. Visit the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre for a free parking permit or have your booking ticket available for the traffic management team to sight.
• Waihohonu track access point off the Desert Road (SH1), 35 km south of Turangi.