The latest fire at Tongariro National Park has been contained, but local tourism businesses are already seeing a large number of people cancelling future trips because they are scared to visit the area.
Nearly 300 hectares of vegetation has burnt, after 3000 hectares of the park went up in flames last month.
FENZ incident controller Renee Potae said the containment line was completed this afternoon.
She said a crew will remain to monitor the fire overnight, while a drone crew will check for deep-seated hotspots. Three ground crews, a tanker and a helicopter will stay on the fireground tomorrow.
Damage from the latest fire to hit Tongariro, as seen from the air. Photo: Pool
State Highway 47 will reopen on Tuesday night with speed restrictions, and potentially a single lane under stop/go controls, from 9pm.
But local tourism operators say the impact on businesses will take a lot longer to damp down.
John and Gill Visser own Adventure Lodge and Motel in Waimarino, and also take people for scenic van trips to Mt Ruapehu. John Visser said the fire was putting the Whakapapa community and businesses at risk.
"We're having cancelations left right and centre, and into January. We're now getting people internationally contacting us saying we're not coming your way it's too dangerous.
"Because it's happened twice... folks overseas only get rubbish on television... and it really gets people concerned," he said.
Photo: RNZ / Dan Jones
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a big draw card for the area, with DOC saying it will be open on Wednesday but that visitors should use shuttle operators to get there due to SH47 being down to one lane.
The Department of Conservation says the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the Tongariro Northern Circuit and all walks in and around Whakapapa Village will be open from Wednesday.
John Visser said all they could do is reassure people the area is still safe to visit, and hope that they listen.
"We'll just keep soldiering on. Everyone that calls us, Gill and the girls will talk to them and convince them it's still a great place to come to," he says.
Sam Wilson who owns The Station Cafe in Waimarino. Photo: Jimmy Ellingham / RNZ
The owner of The Station Cafe in Waimarino, Sam Wilson, told RNZ about how he felt hearing that a second fire was blazing through Tongariro National Park yet again.
"Disappointment.. it sort of a bit of drop in the stomach - it's quite a demanding job we have and when you add these hazards to our trade, particularly at this time of year leading into Christmas, it can be very challenging," he said.
He said the Tongariro Crossing was a big draw card and brings in customers, but it was obviously having an impact as the local carpark was empty.
"This carpark would be full and there'd be big campervans, small campervans and everything in between - people from all around the world and the country," Wilson said.
Alister McDermid had just finished the Tongariro Crossing on Monday when he saw the fire. Photo: Jimmy Ellingham / RNZ
'It was scary'
Tourist Alister McDermid had just finished the Tongariro Crossing on Monday when he saw the fire .
"It was scary - there were two policemen there trying to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher. He threw the fire extinguisher away in disgust because it was doing no good.
"The intense heat we felt inside the bus going past was unreal, I've never experienced anything like it," he said.
Fire in the Tongariro National Park. Photo: Supplied / Alister McDermid and Joanna Finlayson
Tyler and Shannon - two Canadians who were tramping in the area - told RNZ they were able to get back to the camper thanks to the efforts of shuttle driver Stacey, saying she was an "absolute local legend".
"She had extra space in her van and was offering anyone that needed a ride the option to go with her, regardless of who they were booked with. She just wanted to help get as many people out as possible. She had two seats left and we went with her.
"There were a few dozen people waiting, and one guy even had his car parked right by the fire itself. All of us in the van voted to help him get to his car and Stacey delivered!
"The emergency crews helped us also and we got to see the fire burning right by where we started the hike in the morning.
"The park staff waiting at the end of the trail were so kind, helpful, and quick to let everyone coming off the hike know about the delays and situation. We really appreciate everyone's efforts to communicate and provide water and assurances about the situation."
Damage from the latest fire to hit Tongariro, as seen from the air. Photo: Pool
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