September 06, 2012
Volcano forges new Tongariro partnership
Ngati Tuwharetoa hapu Ngati Hikairo has blessed the partial reopening of the Tongariro alpine crossing.
The country’s most popular tramping route was closed by the August 6th eruption, but the section from Mangatepopo Valley to Red Crater has been judged safe enough to use.
A rahui is in place on the rest of the track because of continued volcanic activity.
Hapu spokesperson Te Ngaehe Wanikau says the eruption had forged a new spirit of partnership between Ngati Hikairo and the Department of Conservation.
Hapu volunteers based at Mangatepopo will give visitors manaakitanga, safety advice and a cultural perspective on the mountain.