Update, 4.50pm: A rāhui has been placed on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

"It is with great sadness that Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro and Ngati Tūwharetoa acknowledge a recent death in Tongariro National Park," says a Department of Conservation spokesperson.

A 71-year-old is reported to have died, and as a result, a rāhui has been placed on the track — meaning there will be restricted access to the area.

"With the support of us, NZ Police, and New Zealand Land Search and Rescue, a rāhui has been placed on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for three days from today, Tuesday 9 April 2024, and will be lifted at 6am on Friday 12 April."

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

A rāhui 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, says the Department of Conservation.

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

The Department of Conservation says transport operators for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing have been made aware of the rāhui.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Photo: Lucy Holyoake/DOC.

Earlier, 2.35pm: Reports are coming in of a death on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

A 71-year-old is reported to have died, and as a result, a rāhui has been placed on the track — meaning there will be restricted access to the area.

Ngāti Tūwharetoa placed the rāhui, which will be lifted on Friday morning, says Ngāti Tūwharetoa spokesperson Bubs Smith.

"Our thoughts and prays are with the family of the deceased," says Bubs.

“It is with deep regret to inform you of a death on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing this morning," says Ruapehu Scenic Shuttles owner Colin Baker.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Photo: Supplied.

"A 71-year-old male has died and as a result the Tongariro Alpine Crossing has a Rāhui placed on the track until Friday 12th April at sunrise.

"All shuttles are cancelled, all guiding and access to the crossing is off limits until that time as a mark of respect for the loss of this gentleman and the loss to his family. Please respect this.”

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is heralded as the best one-day trek in New Zealand and is regarded as among the top ten single-day treks in the world.

This challenging track is 19.4 km long and takes seven to eight hours. 

The climbs can be steep and the weather unpredictable.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is located in the Tongariro National Park - New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site.