Azaria HowellPolitical Reporter·Newstalk ZB·1 Jun, 2026 05:00 PM4 mins to read‌The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the country's most popular, and most famous, walks. Photo / NZ HeraldThe Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the country's most popular, and most famous, walks. Photo / NZ HeraldThe Department of Conservation believes poor weather and fires are to blame for a drop in the number of people doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing this season, as it considers a future cap on bookings.

In the 2025/26 year - from October 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026 - a