Wildfire sweeps New Zealand’s Tongariro National Park

2025-11-09 08:07:04

(MENAFN) A wildfire has consumed around 1,800 hectares (4,448 acres) of Tongariro National Park in New Zealand since Saturday, prompting evacuations but causing no reported casualties or structural damage.

Authorities airlifted 43 hikers and a warden on Saturday, followed by nine more hikers on Sunday.

Firefighters have reported the blaze is 20% contained, with aerial operations prioritized using five fixed-wing aircraft and 12 helicopters, supported by ground crews.

The fire, first reported Saturday afternoon covering 50 hectares, forced trail closures, including the popular Tongariro Crossing, and a section of State Highway 47. A no-fly zone has been established over the area.

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s first national park established in 1887, spans 80,000 hectares and holds dual UNESCO World Heritage status for its cultural and natural significance.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.

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