Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 08 December 2025 Source: Department of Conservation and Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro
For mana whenua and all those who care for this whenua, the return of fire to such a culturally and environmentally significant landscape — so soon after the previous blaze — is a heavy and confronting reality.
Fire services were alerted to the fire around 1.10 pm, 8 December, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand continue to lead the response.
DOC Operations Manager Libby O’Brien says DOC’s priority is people’s safety.
“Our team have been walking the tracks checking for any visitors who may not be aware of the fire. Fortunately, no one has been injured, and our staff are all accounted for.
“As a precaution, we’ve cancelled bookings for Mangatepopo Hut and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing until the morning of 10 December. We’ve also suggested visitors may wish to leave the Whakapapa Village area for their safety.
“The Tongariro Alpine Crossing will not be open tomorrow, Tuesday 9 December, and we have also cancelled bookings for the Tongariro Northern Circuit. We are working hard to ensure anyone who is currently in Tongariro National Park is aware of the fire and is able to return home safely.
“Residents of Whakapapa Village are also on standby for evacuation, and any call to evacuate will be made by Fire and Emergency and supported by DOC.
“Tongariro National Park is incredibly special to so many people, and to be facing this again so soon is gutting.”
It’s been less than a month since a nearly 3000-hectare fire ripped through parts of the park, prompting outpourings of support from around the world.
A spokesperson for Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro says today’s fire has been deeply felt across the hapū.
“Tongariro is our living ancestor — the foundation of our whakapapa, and the spiritual and cultural heart of Ngāti Hikairo. To see fire return to this area so soon after the last major event is emotionally heavy for our people.”
“Our rāhui remains in place across the affected landscape, and today’s events reinforce why that protective measure is necessary as the environment heals.”
Libby says there’s no information on damage yet.
“We aren’t aware of any structural damage, though we anticipate significant impacts on biodiversity in the affected area. These are things we’ll work through once the fire is controlled.”
Visit www.fireandemergency.nz for the latest updates on the fire.
Contact
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