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A transport company providing visitor shuttles to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing has had its Department of Conservation concession suspended for two weeks after operating during a Hazardous Weather Warning.
On February 7, 2026, the operator transported more than 100 visitors over multiple bus trips to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track start despite a Hazardous Weather Warning issued based on NIWA forecasting.
The incident breached the terms of the company’s concession agreement with DOC for operations within Tongariro National Park.
DOC Tongariro operations manager Libby O’Brien says the decision was not taken lightly.
“All operators have agreed, as part of their concessions, not to operate when a Hazardous Weather Warning has been issued for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This is for the safety of our visitors and ceasing operations is not optional.
“Despite having been warned last year after a similar breach, this operator chose to knowingly violate the terms of its concession and put lives at risk.”
Anyone wanting to use public conservation land to run a business must hold a DOC concession and comply with its conditions. Failure to do so can result in permission to operate being revoked.
Libby says the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenging hike even in good conditions.
“It is a world-famous naturing experience attracting visitors with a range of experience levels. Some people will assume conditions are safe if a shuttle operator is willing to drop them off.
“Conditions can change quickly, and the Hazardous Weather Warning gives the best prediction of what might happen during the day.”
The two-week suspension will apply from Monday, March 9, 2026, to Sunday, March 22, 2026 inclusive. Other transport providers will continue operating as usual.
