Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 09 December 2025
The fire affected around 300 hectares of Tongariro National Park, in an area near the previous, devastating, November fire.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand have declared the fire completely contained, and the Park’s tracks and huts are safe from the impacts of fire.
State Highway 47 is due to reopen at 9 pm tonight with a section restricted to single lane traffic under speed restrictions. Access to State Highway 48 and Whakapapa Village will be restored.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the Tongariro Northern Circuit and all walks in and around Whakapapa Village will be open from Wednesday 10 December.
Department of Conservation Tongariro Operations Manager Libby O’Brien says the news is a relief 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, and the popular destination is fully open to visitors.
Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro spokesperson Te Ngaehe Wanikau says the latest fire has placed continued strain on the whenua, taiao, and people.
“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,” says Te Ngaehe.
“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 is at the heart of Tongariro.
“We weather these events as a community, and as a community, we’re ready to welcome visitors back to the park.”
Additional information
- Bookings will open for Mangatepopo Hut from 8 am, 10 December
- Shuttle operators are now able to take bookings for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- To reduce traffic through the single-lane stop-go section of State Highway 47, visitors are encouraged to use shuttle transport to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Traffic controls on State Highway 47 will be clearly signed, and will apply between the intersection of SH47 and Mangatepopo Rd, and approx. 1.5 km north of the intersection of SH47 and SH48 (map available on FENZ update)
- Whakapapa Visitor Centre will reopen to normal hours on 10 December
- The 10 year rāhui applies over fire affected areas, and does not affect open tracks and huts
Contact
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
