Tongariro Crossing off limits after hiker dies

A man collapsed and died while walking the Tongariro Crossing on Saturday.

Police have confirmed a man in his 50s collapsed at about midday while traversing the Tongariro Crossing.

Efforts by others on the track to resuscitate him were unsuccessful and he passed away a short time later.

Relaxing at the summit of the Tongariro Crossing. File photo. Photo / Dan Hutchinson

Senior Constable Barry Shepherd from Bay of Plenty Police Search and Rescue said Police would like to thank those who were walking on the track and rushed to the man’s assistance, including trained medical staff.

“You are a great group of people.

“Police would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, especially his family member who was with him at the time.

This is an incredibly tough day for the family, and has had an impact on everyone involved,” Shepherd said.

Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro acknowledge the death and with the support of Department of Conservation and New Zealand Police and a rāhui has been placed on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for three days, ending on March 6 at 6 am.

To show respect, all hikers in the area are asked to consider using alternative tracks during the rāhui.

In a statement issued by DoC, the rāhui is explained as a “physical and spiritual protection mechanism.

“(It) sets a temporary prohibition around the rāhui area and limits access for that period in order to acknowledge the death and to express sympathy to the whānau of the deceased.

“It provides time for tapu (sacredness) to dissipate following the death, allowing time for healing and recovery of the natural elements at the place as well as the people; in particular the grieving whānau.”  

Transport operators for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing have been made aware of the rāhui.