Dan Hutchinson 09/12/2025 Dan Hutchinson 09/12/2025

Ruapehu businesses feel the heat

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.

Dan Hutchinson 08/12/2025 Dan Hutchinson 08/12/2025

Fire erupts again at Tongariro

Fire and Emergency (FENZ) fears a wind change forecast for Tuesday morning at Tongariro National Park could cause flare-ups, as it battles a major blaze.

Dan Hutchinson 04/12/2025 Dan Hutchinson 04/12/2025

Seismic shift in earthquake rating

OPINION: New Zealand’s proposed new earthquake-rating framework is set to reshape the commercial property landscape, altering how buildings are valued, financed, and insured — and offering a possible lifeline to one of the country’s most iconic heritage structures, the Chateau Tongariro.

Dan Hutchinson 20/11/2025 Dan Hutchinson 20/11/2025

Tongariro open for business

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing has reopened, albeit with a charred section at the beginning of the track.

Dan Hutchinson 10/11/2025 Dan Hutchinson 10/11/2025

Fire dies down, reveals damage

Wet weather and a lack of wind has turned the tide in favour of firefighters battling a huge blaze in Tongariro National Park.

Dan Hutchinson 09/11/2025 Dan Hutchinson 09/11/2025

Tongariro National Park still burning

The air attack on the Tongariro National Park fire will continue once the mist has cleared.

Kim Manunui 09/10/2025 Kim Manunui 09/10/2025

Chateau could benefit from rule change

Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton has welcomed the government's overhaul of the earthquake-prone building system, saying it could be a big win for the famous Chateau Tongariro hotel.

Dan Hutchinson 09/10/2025 Dan Hutchinson 09/10/2025

The gift that keeps on giving

In 1887, the then paramount chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa Horonuku Te Heuheu Tukino 1V, gifted the sacred summits of Tongariro to the government to protect their tapu, but also, as Sir Hepi Te Heuheu wrote “to be owned by no-one and yet be for everyone”.

Dan Hutchinson 24/09/2025 Dan Hutchinson 24/09/2025

A ‘quiet leader with immense mana’

Tributes continue to flow for Sir Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII, acknowledging his quiet nature and focus on the future.

Dan Hutchinson 13/08/2025 Dan Hutchinson 13/08/2025

National park dog photo earns owner $400 fine

A woman who took photographs of herself illegally taking several dogs into Tongariro National Park has been given a $400 infringement notice for her “blatant disregard” of the law.

Dan Hutchinson 07/08/2025 Dan Hutchinson 07/08/2025

Foreign tourist levy for Tongariro

Foreign visitors will be charged a fee of $20-$40 to walk the Tongariro Crossing and three other popular New Zealand places.

Dan Hutchinson 23/07/2025 Dan Hutchinson 23/07/2025

Full mountain skiing arrives at Ruapehu

Tūroa Ski Area is opening the High Noon Express chairlift this Saturday, marking the first weekend of the 2025 ski season with top-to-bottom skiing on Mt Ruapehu.

Dan Hutchinson 16/07/2025 Dan Hutchinson 16/07/2025

Popular track off-limits to vehicles

The Department of Conservation is reminding four-wheel drive owners that the 42 Traverse is off-limits over winter to protect the track.

Dan Hutchinson 12/06/2025 Dan Hutchinson 12/06/2025

Still a ‘great’ overnighter

The Tongariro Northern Circuit as a multi-day Great Walk loop is out of action over the 2025-26 season to make way for construction of a new Oturere Hut.

Dan Hutchinson 29/05/2025 Dan Hutchinson 29/05/2025

DOC says ‘don’t bring the dog’

Tongariro Department of Conservation rangers in Ohakune have come up with a lighthearted way to educate their furry friends on the rules for Tongariro National Park.