Tongariro Alpine Crossing reopening in full

[wayno]

http://news.msn.co.nz/nationalnews/8646 ... en-in-full

Hikers will be able to walk the full length of the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing this winter.

The crossing, the most popular of New Zealand's Great Walks, was closed after eruptions at Te Maari Crater on Mt Tongariro in August and December.

It was partially re-opened in December but an exclusion area meant it could not be completed and walkers needed to make a return trip back to the Mangatepopo end.

Conservation Minister Nick Smith says the risk of future eruptions has dropped to a low enough level for the Department of Conservation (DOC) to reopen it on May 8 after consultation with GNS Science and experts from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

"There can never be a 100 per cent guarantee of safety on an active volcano but the expert advice gives us sufficient confidence that the track can be re-opened," Dr Smith said.

Extra safety measures will be added in summer, including electronic signboards to update walkers if volcanic unrest increases, increased eruption detection capability and extra advisory notices.

[wayno]

"temporary repairs have been made to the Ketetahi Hut which will now act as a day shelter until it is replaced with a new day shelter in 2014."

so for those planning to do the Tongariro Crossing as an overnight walk, you cant stay at Kitetahi hut anymore

http://doc.govt.nz/about-doc/news/media ... to-reopen/