A booking system will be introduced to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in July and a cap on the number of people who can walk the track each day will be introduced by October 2024.

“We realise this sets a precedent – it’s the first booking system for a one day walk in the country,” said George Taylor, DOC’s operations manager, Tongariro. “It’s applicable to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and all those who wish to use that section of track, so (it will include) day visitors and people doing the Northern Circuit Great Walk as well.”

Booking the track will be free. A final number for the daily cap has not been determined, but 800 per day has been suggested by local iwi Ngāti Hikairo.

Another change is to make the track one-way only, starting at Mangatepopo. Taylor said this change had been requested by Ngāti Hikairo for safety reasons.

The iwi has concerns about people walking from the Ketetahi side because it takes four to five hours to reach Blue Lake, meaning people are in the alpine area later in the day. “It’s a difficult way to do it and they’d rather not have to deal with rahui, not have to deal with casualties,” said Taylor. “They feel better that it’s walked the traditional way.”

Read about the other changes coming to the TAC in the online version of this story.