Adventure Brief
Dempsey Buses offers expert winter shuttle service from Raetihi to Turoa Skifield, ensuring safe, hassle-free transport to the North Island’s premier alpine playground.
30 minutes
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Dempsey Buses offers expert winter shuttle service from Raetihi to Turoa Skifield, ensuring safe, hassle-free transport to the North Island’s premier alpine playground.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness level required; suitable for all ages and skill levels
Wildlife
History
Mount Ruapehu’s ski fields developed in the mid-20th century, becoming a focal point for North Island winter sports and volcanic research.
Conservation
Efforts are underway to minimize ecological impact from tourism by promoting shuttle use over private vehicles, reducing carbon emissions in this sensitive alpine environment.
Dempsey Buses
Dempsey Buses offers expert winter shuttle service from Raetihi to Turoa Skifield, ensuring safe, hassle-free transport to the North Island’s premier alpine playground.
Dempsey Buses provides shuttle and pickup services for outdoor adventures in the Ohakune and Tongariro areas. The operator runs a set of tailored transfers that support hikers, mountain bikers and skiers with practical transport between trailheads, parking points and skifields. Services include pickups for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from locations such as Ohakune, Raetihi and National Park, daily shuttle operations to the Ohakune Old Coach Road start/finish at Horopito, and transfers to the Turoa skifield using vehicles adapted for alpine conditions.
Dempsey Buses offers group-friendly options that remove the hassle of bike transport by providing bike-friendly pickups and shuttle space for gear. Several trips feature concise travel times—some pickups described as approximately 30 minutes—so clients can focus on the hike, ride or ski rather than logistics. The operator emphasises safety: services run only in favourable weather and track conditions for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and related trails. Drivers are described as skilled in winter operations for secure skifield transfers.
For trail access, Dempsey Buses includes shuttle stops at historic and scenic points such as the Old Coach Road when transporting riders to the Te Hangaruru trailhead or Horopito. The combination of designated pickups, adapted alpine vehicles and clear safety conditions makes Dempsey Buses a practical transport option for visitors planning day trips on local trails and slopes.
Tours Offered
6 Trips
Shuttle and pickup services listed
Daily Shuttle
Old Coach Road
Daily service to Horopito
Alpine Transfers
Adapted vehicles
Secure skifield transport
Safety Focus
Weather-dependent
Operates only in safe conditions
Reserve a pickup for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Old Coach Road, Turoa skifield or Te Hangaruru trailhead — secure your spot before weather-dependent runs fill up.
Book Early During Peak Season
Reserve your shuttle in advance during school holidays and weekends to guarantee a seat.
Dress in Layers for Alpine Conditions
Mountain weather shifts quickly; wear moisture-wicking base layers and insulated outerwear.
Arrive 10 Minutes Before Departure
Be punctual for departure to ensure timely transfers and avoid missing the shuttle.
Pack Secure Ski Equipment
Use sturdy cases or bags for your skis or snowboard to protect gear during transit.
Insulated Jacket
Keeps you warm during chilly waits and on arrival at the skifield.
winter
Waterproof Pants
Protects against snow and wet conditions when transferring gear.
winter
Gloves
Necessary for warmth and handling ski equipment comfortably.
winter
Ski/Snowboard Bag
Safeguards your equipment during transport.
winter