The Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) is asking visitors to respect rāhui and track closures and give emergency crews space to respond to the fire in Tongariro National Park.
The fire broke out on Saturday 8 November, prompting a joint response from Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) and DOC involving both ground and aerial operations.
"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fire in Tongariro National Park, including iwi, local communities, visitors, and the dedicated teams who are working tirelessly to bring it under control," says DOC Central North Island Operations Director Damian Coutts.
"It's a distressing time for many. Our priority right now is people's safety and supporting the fire response.
"The burn area is a massive 2,935 hectares at the country's first National Park and Dual UNESCO World Heritage Site.
"We're asking people to please stay away from the Whakapapa side of Tongariro National Park while the fire response continues. Your support in this will help us make sure this incredible place can be open to you sooner.
"Although Fire and Emergency NZ and Police have reopened roads, it's not a time for sightseeing. We don't want to see people operating drones or driving through just to look at the damage. The best way you can support Tongariro National Park is to stay away from the fire area until we say it's clear and safe for visitors."
Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro have placed a rāhui over Tongariro maunga from Sunday 9 November to Monday 17 November. All tracks in and out of Whakapapa Village are subject to rāhui, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro Northern Circuit, Tama Lakes and nearby walks, and we ask this is respected. Signage and information are in place.
DOC staff and hapū representatives will assess the conservation and cultural infrastructure when safe to do so, to understand the scale of the damage.
Anyone with bookings for huts or campsites during this period have been informed and their cost refunded. The Whakapapa Visitor Centre will remain closed until at least Monday 17 November with staff available remotely.
"We know how special this area is to iwi, locals, and visitors, and we share everyone's concern for the land, wildlife, and places we all treasure," says Damian.
"It's still too early to speak to the long-term effects to ecosystems, flora and fauna, but with a fire of this magnitude, we expect significant damage to biodiversity. It will take weeks to understand the severity."
Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro has placed a second rāhui over the immediate burn area, which will remain in place for 10 years. This will allow DOC to work alongside hapū to assess and restore this important alpine ecosystem.
DOC and FENZ teams remain on the ground to contain the fire and protect important structures like Mangatepopo Hut and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trailhead.
Map of Tongariro Track closures
