Learn about the eruptions from the Te Maari craters on the northern slopes of Mt Tongariro on 6 August 2012 and 21 November 2012, the current status of tracks and facilities, and DOC's response.

Te Maari crater eruption on Mt Tongariro, 21 November 2012

Map of affected tracks and roads

Map of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with volcanic hazard zone (PDF, 296K)

Tracks

All tracks in the Tongariro National Park, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Tongariro Northern Circuit are open.

Roads

All roads in the Tongariro National Park, including both Mangatepopo and Ketetahi roads and parking areas are open.

Huts and campsites

• Mangatepopo, Oturere and Waihohonu huts and campsites are open
• Ketetahi hut and campsite are no longer available for accommodation following the eruption - the hut is a shelter for day hikers only.

Contact

Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre
Phone:	+64 7 892 3729
Address:	Whakapapa Village State Highway 48 Mount Ruapehu
Email:
Full office details

Debris flow below the eruption of 6 August 2012

Photos and video

• Video footage of the eruption on 21 November 2012 - Geonet website
• Tongariro eruption photos from 21 November 2012 - Geonet website
• Mt Tongariro eruption photo gallery
• Tongariro eruption photos from 9 August 2012 - Geonet on Flickr

Media releases

• 24 April 2013: Tongariro Alpine Crossing to re-open
• 7 March 2013: Further section of Tongariro Alpine Crossing to re-open
• 16 January 2013: Tongariro National Park track and road update
• 21 December 2012: Tongariro National Park draws large numbers of visitors
• 13 December 2012: Volcanic action likely to mean busy summer in Tongariro National Park
• 27 November 2012: Minister welcomes opening of Tongariro tracks
• 27 November 2012: Tongariro Northern Circuit to re-open
• 23 November 2012: Minister visits Mt Tongariro community leaders
• 23 November 2012: Te Maari Eruption and Tongariro Alpine Crossing Update
• 21 November 2012: Small ash eruption at Te Maari crater
• 16 October 2012: Tongariro Alpine Crossing opening for Labour weekend
• 20 September 2012: Two sections of track on Tongariro to re-open
• 28 August 2012: Red Crater Tongariro Alpine Crossing track to re-open this weekend 
• 23 August 2012: Tongariro alert level lowered - phased recovery and re-opening plan underway
• 8 August 2012: Tongariro Alpine Crossing opening will depend on volcanic activity
• 7 August 2012: Mount Tongariro DOC tracks and huts closed until further notice
• 7 August 2012: Volcanic eruption response

Related links

• Other walks available in the Tongariro National Park
• Tama Lakes is a popular alternative walk to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• News and things to do and see in the Ruapehu region - Visit Ruapehu website
• Tongariro's current activity and webcams - Geonet website
• Tongariro volcanic alert bulletins and information - Geonet website
• What to do in a volcanic eruption - Get Ready, GetThru website
• Te Maari eruption hazard awareness