A person has died after suffering a medical event while hiking along a popular trail at the Tongariro National Park on Tuesday.
According to a social media post by a local shuttle company, the victim was a 71-year-old man.
A rāhui has since been placed over the popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing, meaning access is off-limits temporarily to express sympathy to the grieving whānau.
"To show respect, all hikers in the area are asked to consider using alternative tracks during the rāhui," a statement from the Department of Conservation (DoC) said.
Local iwi Ngati Tūwharetoa gave effect to the rāhui, with the blessing of DoC, Police, and Land Search and Rescue.
"It provides time for tapu (sacredness) to dissipate following the death allowing time for healing and recovery of the natural elements at place as well as the people; in particular the grieving whānau," said DoC.
The rāhui will lift at sunrise on Friday.
While the matter has been referred to the coroner, a police spokesperson told Newshub it's understood the person died due to a medical event, not a fall.
Emergency services responded just before 9:30am, the spokesperson added, however a helicopter was unable to be deployed due to cloud.
"Despite the best efforts of those involved, the person died a short time later," the spokesperson said.
Shuttles to and from the Tongariro Crossing, along with guided tours, have been cancelled until further notice.
