Rāhui lifted by iwi after death on Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Local iwi have lifted the Rahui on the crossing.
Local iwi have lifted the Rahui on the crossing. Photo credit: File

A ceremony at sunrise will be held on Monday as local iwi lift a three-day rāhui on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

It follows the death of an elderly man on the track on Friday. Emergency services were notified of the sudden death just after midday, and a helicopter was sent to recover the body.

NZME has identified the victim as 75-year-old Gerd Wilde - a German tourist who had prostate cancer.

"He had the feeling he was not staying long on this planet," said his son Simon, who had been travelling with his ill father.

"It was an amazing place to die," Simon told NZME. 

Local kaumatua Te Ngaehe Wanikau says many have felt the pain.

Wanikau told Newshub the rāhui has given people time to reflect - putting the mountain at peace. He said it has impacted the family of the victim and the wider community.