Ruapehu businesses feel the heat
Firefighters do the hard yards on the ground earlier this week. Photo: Dan Jones / RNZ
The latest fire at Tongariro National Park was contained on Tuesday afternoon, but local tourism businesses are already seeing a large number of people cancelling future trips because they are scared to visit the area.
Nearly 300 hectares of vegetation burnt this week, after 3000 hectares of the park went up in flames last month.
But local tourism operators say the impact on businesses will take a lot longer to damp down.
John and Gill Visser own Adventure Lodge and Motel in Waimarino and also take people for scenic van trips to Mt Ruapehu. John Visser said the fire was putting the Whakapapa community and businesses at risk.
"We're having cancelations left right and centre, and into January. We're now getting people internationally contacting us saying we're not coming your way, it's too dangerous.
"Because it's happened twice... folks overseas only get rubbish on television... and it really gets people concerned," he said.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a big draw card for the area, but the track and Mangatepopo Hut are currently closed to visitors because of the fire. The Department of Conservation says booked visitors have been told and it has advised people to avoid Whakapapa Village at this time.
However, visitors can still enjoy the southern and eastern areas of Tongariro National Park, and Rotopounamu.
John Visser said all they could do is reassure people the area is still safe to visit, and hope that they listen.
"We'll just keep soldiering on. Everyone that calls us, Gill and the girls will talk to them and convince them it's still a great place to come to," he says.
The owner of The Station Cafe in Waimarino, Sam Wilson, told RNZ about how he felt hearing that a second fire was blazing through Tongariro National Park yet again.
"Disappointment.. it sort of a bit of drop in the stomach - it's quite a demanding job we have and when you add these hazards to our trade, particularly at this time of year leading into Christmas, it can be very challenging," he said.
He said the Tongariro Crossing was a big draw card and brings in customers, but it was obviously having an impact as the local carpark was empty.
"This carpark would be full and there'd be big campervans, small campervans and everything in between - people from all around the world and the country," Wilson said.
Tourist Alister McDermid had just finished the Tongariro Crossing on Monday when he saw the fire.
"It was scary - there were two policemen there trying to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher. He threw the fire extinguisher away in disgust because it was doing no good.
"The intense heat we felt inside the bus going past was unreal, I've never experienced anything like it," he said.
Tyler and Shannon - two Canadians who were tramping in the area - told RNZ they were able to get back to the camper thanks to the efforts of shuttle driver Stacey, saying she was an "absolute local legend".
"She had extra space in her van and was offering anyone that needed a ride the option to go with her, regardless of who they were booked with. She just wanted to help get as many people out as possible. She had two seats left and we went with her.
"There were a few dozen people waiting, and one guy even had his car parked right by the fire itself. All of us in the van voted to help him get to his car and Stacey delivered!
"The emergency crews helped us also and we got to see the fire burning right by where we started the hike in the morning.
"The park staff waiting at the end of the trail were so kind, helpful, and quick to let everyone coming off the hike know about the delays and situation. We really appreciate everyone's efforts to communicate and provide water and assurances about the situation.