Tongariro Alpine Crossing reopens – 17th November 2025
The iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing will reopen at 9am on Monday 17 November following the devastating fire that swept through Tongariro National Park earlier this month.
DOC Central North Island Operations Director Damian Coutts says both DOC and Fire and Emergency New Zealand are confident the track is safe, although the landscape bears clear signs of the burn. “We will continue to monitor for hotspots across the fire area, but we are satisfied the Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be safely opened.”
He acknowledges the emotional impact of the damage, saying, “It won’t look quite like it did before, 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 the lifting of the rāhui brings both sorrow and hope, with many in the hapū deeply affected by the fire’s impact on their maunga. “The mamae we feel for our maunga is deep… 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.”
With Mangatepopo Road and car park damaged and currently closed to private vehicles, access will rely on shuttle operators – something Damian says will help support local businesses that have struggled during the closure.
The good news: once the Fire Service gives the all-clear, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is planned to reopen on Monday, 17 November. This could change if any fire risks are identified over the weekend
Nearly 3,000 hectares of Tongariro National Park burned.
“Due to a fire in the area, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro Northern Circuit, Tama Lakes and walks near Whakapapa Village are closed until at least Sunday 16 November. Information will be updated as the situation changes.”
The fire in Tongariro National Park is now effectively out, with recent rainfall helping to extinguish remaining hotspots
Fire and Emergency crews say thermal imaging flights have confirmed no visible signs of active fire, though monitoring will continue to ensure there are no flare-ups. Authorities are now shifting focus to recovery and assessing any environmental impact.
A large fire is burning in Tongariro National Park
Leading to the precautionary evacuation of Whakapapa Village, nearby lodges, and several hikers from the alpine tracks. Authorities are asking people to avoid the area while crews continue to manage the fire and monitor changing conditions.
The fire was first reported shortly on Saturday along State Highway 47, just north of its junction with SH 48. It has since spread through rugged park terrain, covering an estimated 1,800 hectares.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand says 13 ground crews and several helicopters are working to contain the blaze, which remains about 20 percent contained. Operations are focused on preventing further spread and protecting key infrastructure.
The village of Whakapapa, located on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, was evacuated as a safety measure when fire behaviour increased and access routes became at risk. The Department of Conservation (DOC) confirmed a hut warden and 43 trampers were also flown out from the Mangatepopo Hut area earlier in the day.
While there has been no loss of life or structures reported, locals say smoke and ash have been visible across the Central Plateau. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing and nearby tracks are currently closed, and road access via State Highways 47 and 48 remains restricted.
Tongariro is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for both its cultural and volcanic landscape.
Environmental specialists note that the park’s alpine vegetation and native species are sensitive to fire, and recovery in some areas could take time.
We will keep you up to date.
