Forty-three hikers have been evacuated as firefighters battle a blaze covering around 300 hectares of Tongariro National Park this evening.
Thirteen crews of firefighters from eight brigades are fighting the fire with support from three helicopters with monsoon buckets.
The fire was reported on SH47 just north of the junction with SH48 at 3.15pm.
In a statement, the Department of Conservation (DOC)’s central North Island operations director Damian Coutts told 1News 43 hikers and the hut warden were “evacuated by helicopter from Mangatepopo Hut” as a precaution.
“DOC staff are providing welfare at Whakapapa Village. We have not had any reports of anyone being injured.”
Coutts said the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Northern Circuit “are closed and will be closed on Sunday”.
“At this stage, the fire has not reached any tracks or huts.”
Fire and Emergency NZ assistant commander Nick West said the fire was burning in the direction of Mount Ngauruhoe.
“It is not under control,” West said in an update just before 8pm.
“Trampers are being airlifted from the Maungatepopo Hut, on the Tongariro Crossing. A helicopter is continuing to check the area for any other walkers.”
West said the cause of the blaze was unknown.
State Highway 47 is closed between the intersections with SH48 and SH46 while emergency services work at the scene, police said.
“State Highway 47 is closed at the intersection of State Highway 46 at the northern end, and State Highway 48 at the southern end.
“Motorists are advised to turn around or delay travel, as there are no alternative routes in the immediate area.”
