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Visitors will be able to return to tracks and huts in Tongariro National Park from today, Wednesday, December 10, following confirmation that the recent fire has been fully contained. Caution is still advised around traffic-controlled areas of State Highway 47.
The fire affected about 300 hectares of the park in an area close to the major November fire. Fire and Emergency New Zealand has confirmed the blaze is now contained, with tracks and huts assessed as safe to reopen.
State Highway 47 reopened last night, with a section operating under single-lane traffic and speed restrictions. Access to State Highway 48 and Whakapapa Village was also restored.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the Tongariro Northern Circuit, and all walks in and around Whakapapa Village will reopen on Wednesday.
Department of Conservation Tongariro operations manager Libby O’Brien says the reopening is welcome news for the community.
“Our community have been feeling it, both the loss of these beautiful parts of the park, and also the loss of tourism so many rely on.
“By opening up our tracks and huts we are saying, ‘yes it’s safe, yes you can visit, nau mai haere mai ki Tongariro National Park.’
“With the one caveat – as single lane restrictions continue to apply on State Highway 47, we’re requesting people continue to use shuttle operators to visit the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
“While we want visitors to return, we’re also asking people to limit driving through the traffic-controlled section of State Highway 47 between Mangatepopo Road and State Highway 48. To help all those still responding to the fire, please take a shuttle to the crossing.”
There are no restrictions on State Highway 48 to Whakapapa Village, which remains fully open to visitors.
Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro spokesperson Te Ngaehe Wanikau says the latest fire has placed continued pressure on the whenua, taiao and community.
“As mana whenua and kaitiaki of Tongariro, it is our responsibility to respond in a way that upholds the mauri of the land and ensures its healing for generations to come.
“We have chosen to incorporate the landscape of this latest fire in the 10-year rāhui whakaora (restorative rāhui), for a unified approach to recovery.
“This decision reflects both our deep cultural obligations and the clear environmental need to restrict access, limit disturbance, and allow the maunga and its ecosystems the time they require to recover.
“We ask the public, visitors, and all those who love Tongariro to uphold and respect this rāhui. It is a protective measure – not just for the land, but for the wellbeing of our community.”
Libby says the community remains central to the park’s recovery.
“We weather these events as a community, and as a community, we’re ready to welcome visitors back to the park.”
