Tongariro open for business
The pou erected to represent Tongariro National Park guardian Te Ririo, still stands, with just a small amount of scorched wood. Photo: Libby O’Brien/DOC
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing has reopened, albeit with a charred section at the beginning of the track.
Department of Conservation Central North Island operations director Damian Coutts says both DOC and Fire and Emergency New Zealand are confident the track is safe for visitors.
“We will continue to monitor for hotspots across the fire area, but we are satisfied the Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be safely opened.”
“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.”
The fires started on Saturday, November 8 and extended to an estimated 2935 hectares of Tongariro National Park.
Mangatepopo Rd and the car park have suffered some damage, and the car park is unsafe to use.
While the car park is assessed and repairs are arranged, transport to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is limited to shuttle drop-offs and pick-ups and private cars are not allowed to enter Mangatepopo Road.
Damian says local businesses have been hurting over the last week.
“This is a really good chance for those who wish to walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to support local shuttle operators who provide transport options for the track.”
Areas of the Mangatepopo (Ditch) Track - which forms part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk – have been heavily affected.
The landscape at the start of the Tongariro Crossing looks a lot different following last week’s fire. Photo: Department of Conservation
Damian says it will take time to understand the impact on flora and fauna and the damage will take some time to repair.
Thanks to some quick work, access to tracks and huts is almost back to normal, Damian said on Monday.
“Mangatepopo Track will remain closed until further notice, and we thank everyone for their continued patience.
“Fortunately, aside from Mangatepopo Track, all other tracks in Tongariro National Park will be open from 9am on Monday for visitors to enjoy, as will Mangatepopo Hut.”
On Monday morning, Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro also lifted the rāhui placed across the Tongariro.
The morning ceremony at Mangatepopo, marked the end of the first rāhui, which applied to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and surrounding tracks.
A second rāhui, placed over the burn area itself, remains in place due to the extensive damage to native vegetation.
Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro will lead the long-term restoration phase, in partnership with DoC and other key agencies, to support the ecological recovery.
Tongariro National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro spokesperson Te Ngaehe Wanikau says it is with both sorrow and joy that hapū lifted the rāhui over the track on Monday morning.
“The mamae we feel for our maunga is deep. Tongariro has carried our stories, and our identity for generations, and seeing the land scarred has touched many hearts across Aotearoa. 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.”
One of the remarkable stories to come out of the fire was that the pou, erected in honour of the park’s guardian Te Ririo, still stands, with just a small amount of scorched wood.
“His survival reminds us of the resilience of our whenua and of our people. There is hope in that. And together Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro, Aotearoa, and the world can help guide Tongariro toward healing and renewal.”