Tongariro National Park Wildfire Grows as Crews Return to the Fireground

Overview

• Fire and Emergency New Zealand now estimates the blaze has expanded to more than 1,000 hectares, with aerial reconnaissance to confirm the size.
• The wildfire remains out of control and has been burning toward Mount Ngauruhoe, officials said.
• About 40 hikers were airlifted to safety on Saturday, and there are no reports of structural damage.
• FENZ has mobilised 23 firefighting units with six helicopters and two fixed‑wing aircraft, after crews monitored the fire overnight because direct attack was unsafe.
• State Highway 47 was disrupted with closures and heavy traffic on Saturday, and authorities urged people to avoid the area or delay travel.