Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 16 November 2025
DOC Central North Island Operations Director Damian Coutts says both DOC and Fire and Emergency New Zealand are confident the track is safe for visitors.
“We will continue to monitor for hotspots across the fire area, but we are satisfied the Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be safely opened.”
“It won’t look quite like it did before,” says Damian, “from the scorch marks on the pou Te Ririo, to the blackened landscape, it’s a sobering view. We’re inviting people to visit respectfully, to come back with a sense of awe and compassion for this place.”
Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro spokesperson Te Ngaehe Wanikau says it is with both sorrow and joy that hapū will lift the rāhui over the track on Monday morning.
“The mamae we feel for our maunga is deep. Tongariro has carried our stories, and our identity for generations, and seeing the land scarred has touched many hearts across Aotearoa. For some, returning to the Crossing will be like a pilgrimage, a time to stand with the maunga, to breathe with him again, and to acknowledge the journey ahead. Haere mai.”
“Yet even in this sadness, we find strength. Our pou, Te Ririo, still stands. His survival reminds us of the resilience of our whenua and of our people. There is hope in that. And together Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro, Aotearoa, and the world can help guide Tongariro toward healing and renewal.”
Mangatepopo Road and the car park have suffered some damage, and the car park is currently unsafe to use. While the car park is assessed and repairs are arranged, transport to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing will be limited to shuttle drop-offs and pick-ups. For safety reasons, private cars will not be allowed to enter Mangatepopo Road.
Damian says local businesses have been hurting over the last week.
“This is a really good chance for those who wish to walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to support local shuttle operators who provide transport options for the track.”
The fires started on Saturday 8 November and extended to an estimated 2,935 hectares of Tongariro National Park. Areas of the Mangatepopo (Ditch) Track – which forms part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk – have been heavily affected, and it will require time to understand the magnitude of the impact on flora and fauna.
Damian says this damage will take some time to repair, but thanks to some quick work, access to tracks and huts is almost back to normal.
“Mangatepopo Track will remain closed until further notice, and we thank everyone for their continued patience.
“Fortunately, aside from Mangatepopo Track, all other tracks in Tongariro National Park will be open from 9 am on Monday for visitors to enjoy, as will Mangatepopo Hut,” says Damian.
Bookings for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing are open from 1 pm on Sunday 16 November.
Background information
What’s open?
- From 9 am Monday 17 November all tracks in Tongariro National Park will be open except for Mangatepopo Track. Mangatepopo Hut will also reopen.
- Oturere Hut remains closed for replacement (unrelated to fire).
- Tongariro Visitor Centre will open Monday 17 November at 11 am, and resume normal operating hours.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Map
Tongariro track closures map (PDF, 23,013K)
Contact
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
