The blaze seen in Tongariro National Park, on Saturday. Photo: Supplied/ Liz Brooker
A large fire in Tongariro National Park has trapped trampers and caused the closure of a nearby highway, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) says.
About 400 hectares of Tongariro Forest Park was on fire, FENZ said shortly before 10pm Saturday.
The fire remains uncontrolled, with firefighters working through the night to stop it spreading toward Mount Ngauruhoe.
Thirteen fire crews from eight brigades are at the scene, supported by three helicopters carrying monsoon buckets.
FENZ assistant commander Nick West said the blaze was burning in the direction of Mount Ngauruhoe and was not under control.
Trampers have been airlifted from the Mangatepopo Hut on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and a helicopter continues to check the area for any remaining walkers.
As a precaution, 43 hikers and a hut warden were evacuated by helicopter, according to the Department of Conservation (DOC).
No injuries have been reported.
Firefighters have been battling a vegetation fire on the Tongariro crossing. Photo: RNZ / Hamish Cardwell
The vegetation fire was reported about 3.15pm Saturday on State Highway 47, just north of the junction with SH48, and firefighters and helicopters have worked at the scene since.
State Highway 47 remains closed between SH48 and SH46, and motorists are being asked to avoid the area.
Just before 8pm, police said "motorists should turn around or delay travel, as there are no alternative routes in the immediate area".
Earlier, FENZ said there had been "a large build-up of traffic reported" on the highway, as the fire and firefighting efforts disrupted travel.
The Department of Conservation said both the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Northern Circuit were closed, and would remain closed on Sunday.
DOC Central North Island operations director Damian Coutts said the fire had not yet reached any tracks or huts, but the closures were a precaution, while firefighting continued.
"People are asked to stay away from the area," Coutts said.
FENZ said it does not yet know how the blaze started.
The Tongariro fire has caused a build-up of traffic in the area. Photo: RNZ / Hamish Cardwell
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