Tongariro National Park fire

The story so far

Emergency services, including firefighters and helicopters, responded on Monday 8 December to multiple vegetation fires in Tongariro National Park.^{8 Dec 2025} State Highway 47 was closed, and residents were urged to prepare for possible evacuation.^{8 Dec 2025} The fires merged after starting on Monday afternoon, and the resulting blaze burned about 322 hectares of vegetation.^{9 Dec 2025} Early mapping put one blaze at more than 320 hectares, and it was still uncontained on Monday evening.^{8 Dec 2025} Firefighters fully contained the fire by Tuesday afternoon, and crews used drones to check for hotspots.^{9 Dec 2025}

Latest

A later update put the burned area at between 296 and 300 hectares, and the fire is now completely contained.^{10 Dec 2025} Huts and tracks in the park are set to reopen after the blaze.^{10 Dec 2025}

What's next

Huts and tracks are due to reopen on Wednesday, when about 37 personnel, including investigators and firefighters, were expected on site.^{10 Dec 2025}

Key moments

1. 8 Dec 2025Multiple vegetation fires prompt State Highway 47 closure and evacuation preparation warnings.
2. 8 Dec 2025One blaze mapped above 320 hectares and still uncontained Monday evening.
3. 9 Dec 2025Merged fires burn about 322 hectares; fire fully contained by Tuesday afternoon.
4. 10 Dec 2025Revised area put at 296 to 300 hectares; fire completely contained.
5. 10 Dec 2025Huts and tracks set to reopen Wednesday after the fire.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.