A huge wildfire has spread through Tongariro National Park, leading to the evacuation of 52 people, including 43 hikers and two groups staying in huts.
The fire started near State Highway 47 on Saturday afternoon and has now burned through around 1600 hectares of bushland.
Fire crews from across the region are working hard to fight the flames. Fifteen helicopters and five fixed-wing planes have been dropping water from above in one of New Zealand’s largest aerial firefighting efforts in recent years. So far, the fire is 20% under control.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Northern Circuit have been closed. State Highway 47 is also shut while emergency teams are at work. The fire is moving in the direction of Mount Ngauruhoe but has not yet reached any walking tracks or huts.
The Department of Conservation safely evacuated people from the Mangatepopo and Waihohonu huts. Some nearby lodges and schools, including the Hillary Outdoors Education Centre, are also being cleared as a safety measure.
Officials believe the fire will continue to burn for several more days. The cause of the blaze is still unknown, and a no-fly zone has been set up above the area.
Local leaders have called the fire devastating, especially for the environment and tourism in the park. Emergency teams and government ministers are on the ground helping with the response and planning for recovery.
