The best of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to re-open

Destination Great Lake Taupo

The Department of Conservation (DOC) announced that the Tongariro’s Northern Circuit and part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing will re-open this week.

This means that tracks to the Emerald Lakes and Oturere Valley, which many believe to be the very best parts of the walk, will be open for business as usual this Thursday.

Destination Great Lake Taupo General Manager, Vanessa Freeman is delighted with the news.

“The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of our region’s most iconic attractions, with huge appeal to our long haul international markets. Ruapehu, Turangi and Taupo tourism businesses that transport, guide and accommodate people coming to do the Crossing will be delighted to be able to plan with confidence for the up-coming summer hiking season”.

Mike Smith, General Manager of Visit Ruapehu concurs. “The recent events have certainly been a challenge for some local operators but we are now looking forward. We have some amazing new experiences to share with visitors. Despite The Crossing not being fully open, people can still view the new Te Maari vents from State Highway 46, explore some of the alternative walks throughout The Tongariro National Park or get a bird’s eye view by taking a scenic flight”.

“We especially want to assure visitors planning to come to New Zealand and visit this amazing area that we are very much open for business and looking forward to sharing our wonderful living environment with them”.

An official website will be set up to keep industry and visitors up-dated. This will contain official information on the recent activity within the Tongariro National Park, plus the line-up of world famous activities on offer right throughout the region - from mountain biking, guided walking and white water rafting, to more leisurely pursuits such as golf or trout fishing.