Reopened track a stone's throw from crater

  • Breaking
  • 08/05/2013

Trampers walking the now fully opened Tongariro Crossing can get so close to the thermal vent that erupted "it's almost like you can throw a stone in it," a Tongariro tourism spokesperson says.

The full crossing was officially opened at a ceremony this morning.

A section of the crossing up until the Blue Lake Saddle had been open since December following an eruption at the Te Maari crater in November last year.

The track is now open all the way to the Ketetahi car park.

Chairman of tourism industry group Tongariro Concessionaires, Stew Barclay, says the reopening of the track is exciting for trampers, tourist operators and accommodation providers.

Trampers can now get up close to the Te Maari crater though they are advised "not to dilly dally" and spend no longer than about 45 minutes there, to mitigate a small risk the crater may erupt again.

The spectacular eruption last year was good promotion for the crossing because it showed it was still an active volcano, he says.

The Department of Conservation says the decision to fully open the track was made after a risk assessment was completed and peer-reviewed by scientists in Hawaii.

Programme manager for the Ruapehu area Bhrent Guy also says the risk of any further volcanic activity declines the longer the area stays dormant.

The Te Maari crater erupted on November 21 last year, spewing ash and causing the crossing to close.

Mr Guy says about 400 people were walking the track today and about 150 attended the opening ceremony.

About 7000 people were expected to walk the crossing this winter, mostly with guides because of snow and ice on the track.

Mr Guy says the number of people doing the partial Tongariro Crossing and the Tama Lakes walk last summer was higher than the previous summer.

Mr Barclay says during the partial closure tourism operators directly involved with the crossing, including transportation and guiding, fared better than accommodation providers.

The perfect summer conditions still meant people were willing to do at least part of the walk. But accommodation and food providers suffered more because people could complete the open part of the track in less time than normal so did not spend as much time in the area.

Skotel Alpine Lodge general manager Wayne Sheard does not anticipate a huge rush of international winter bookings for the full walk, but expects bookings for this summer will increase. Many tour companies book accommodation and the walk about three years in advance.

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source: newshub archive