Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 12 November 2025 Source: Department of Conservation and Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro
The fires began Saturday 8 November and burned nearly 3,000 hectares, severely impacting the landscape of the park, which is a listed Dual World Heritage site.
On Sunday 9 November Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro announced two rāhui. The first, announced for 7 days, and extending to Monday 17 November, applies to the fire ground and Whakapapa area walks. This immediate rāhui allows time for the land to settle, and for Fire and Emergency New Zealand, DOC, and partners to assess the burnt areas.
Central North Island Operations Director Damian Coutts says the time allows teams to focus on safety and recovery.
“That means our staff aren’t worrying about visitors coming into the tracks or the visitor centre – they can fully focus on ensuring the fire is out and assessing damage.”
The second rāhui announced is a restorative rāhui set to last ten years, over the fire ground itself, and is causing some confusion.
Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro spokesperson Te Ngaehe Wanikau says the ten-year rāhui is about maunga ora (wellbeing of the mountain).
He clarified, “It’s not about keeping people out. It’s about restoration, it’s about the spiritual, emotional, and physical wellbeing of Tongariro.
“We’re being very strategic in placing this rāhui. Our biggest fear is two weeks, two months down the track everyone forgets about the fire, and we’re left with a landscape of weeds.
“Instead, we’re reinforcing a focus on restoring Tongariro. It’s a rāhui for people to come together, pool resources, and heal.
“We’re still expecting people to walk on tracks, but we’re looking to a future where people will come here just to be a part of the healing of the maunga. We’ll be sharing this opportunity with Aotearoa and the world.”
Damian says DOC supports the restorative rāhui.
“We encourage people to take the time to understand and respect the concept of rāhui.”
“We look forward to welcoming people to help with the recovery of this special place alongside Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro and DOC.”
“In the meantime, we are appealing for people to stay away from the fire area at least until Monday 17 November. You can still enjoy naturing in the parts of the park which aren’t subject to the short-term rāhui.”
Visitors are reminded to check the DOC website for updates on track closures.
Contact
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Email: media@doc.govt.nz
