31 Aug 2012

Guardians place rahui on Tongariro track

8:21 pm on 31 August 2012

The guardians of the area around Mount Tongariro have officiated at the partial re-opening of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

The track was closed after the mountain erupted on 6 August.

Ngati Hikairo ki Tongariro gave its blessing to the re-opening of the track from Mangatepopo Road to Red Crater and from Waihonunu Hut to Oturere Hut on Friday morning.

It also placed a rahui, or protective restriction, on the track from Red Crater to State Highway 46.

The track going past the source of the eruption, between Red Crater to Ketetahi Road past the Upper te Maari Crater, will not reopen yet.

However, the Department of Conservation says if the current activity of the mountain remains relatively quiet, the entire crossing will be open for the summer tramping season.

Members of Ngati Hikairo ki Tongariro gave their blessing and placed a rahui on the track.

Members of Ngati Hikairo ki Tongariro gave their blessing and placed a rahui on the track. Photo: RNZ