The Volcanic Alert Level (VAL) for Mount Ruapehu has been raised from level 1 to 2 by GNS Science.
The change in alert level means no-one is permitted within 2km of Te Wai ā-moe/Crater Lake, the Department of Conservation (DOC) said in a statement today.
“Due to heightened volcanic unrest and the change in VAL, DOC has closed the summit area of Mount Ruapehu, including a 2 km radius from the centre of Te Wai ā-moe/Crater Lake,” DOC said.
Download map showing where you cannot go.
DOC said Iwi and stakeholders had been informed about the change in alert level and the 2km exclusion zone.
“Concessionaire activity is suspended in the exclusion zone until further notice.”
Signage will be displayed at the Whakapapa, Tūroa and Tukino ski areas and DOC will provide any updates through its website and social media page.
Meanwhile, Mount Tongariro and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing are not affected by increased volcanic unrest at Mount Ruapehu and remain open.
“Our priority is to protect public safety, so we ask visitors to respect the exclusion zone under VAL 2 for their own safety,” says Tongariro Operations Manager, Connie Norgate.
“At VAL 2 there is increased risk of eruption, so it’s important that people take this advice seriously.
“Tongariro National Park is an active volcanic area, so eruptions can occur with little or no warning. The closer people are to the Park’s active volcanic vents, the higher the risk.
“DOC and GNS are in regular communication and if unrest continues to escalate and the probability of eruption increases, we will consider extending the closure to the entire summit hazard zone – 3 km radius from the centre of Te Wai ā-moe/Crater Lake,” Ms Norgate said.
