A rāhui has been placed on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing after a person died on the mountain hiking track on Saturday.
A man aged in his 50s collapsed while traversing the crossing at around midday yesterday and passed away a short time later despite efforts to resuscitate him.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) said the rāhui, which is a sign of respect to the person’s whānau, will last for three days and be lifted at 6am on Wednesday.
A rāhui (physical and spiritual protection mechanism) sets a temporary prohibition around the rāhui area and limits access for that period in order to acknowledge the death and to express sympathy to the whānau of the deceased.
To show respect, all hikers in the area are asked to consider using alternative tracks during the rāhui.
Members of the public are asked to consider alternative walking routes during the period of the rahui.
“It provides time for tapu (sacredness) to dissipate following the death allowing time for healing and recovery of the natural elements at place as well as the people; in particular the grieving whānau,” the Department said in a statement.
Transport operators for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing have been made aware of the rāhui.
It will be lifted at 6am on Wednesday 26 March.
