Volcano disrupts travel in New Zealand
7th August 2012
After lying dormant for more than a century, Mount Tongariro erupted yesterday causing flight cancellations and road closures on the North Island
Mount Tongariro, one of three volcanic peaks in the centre of the North Island, erupted late on Monday night, local time. Witnesses report large craters and ash plumes spewing into the sky.
No injuries or damage have been reported. However, airports and roads have been affected by the billowing ash cloud, which is spreading across the centre of the North Island. Meteorologists have reported the ash cloud is being blown eastwards towards the Pacific Ocean.
Throughout Tuesday morning, Palmerston North, Napier, Taupo and Rotorua airports were affected by closures. Air New Zealand has advised travellers that some flights to and from airports to the east of Tongariro, including Gisborne, Rotorua, Taupo, Napier and Palmerston North, may be disrupted or even cancelled as a result of the eruption.
Passengers planning to travel today are advised to check their airline's website and the airport's website for departure information.
The New Zealand Civil Defence has warned the ash could reach people in the Waikato, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, Manawatu-Wanganui, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki. People in the affected areas have been advised to stay indoors as volcanic ash can pose as a health hazard.
Travellers affected by the eruption should also keep up-to-date with local media reports and follow the instructions of local authorities.
The popularity of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – often said to be New Zealand's, if not the world’s, best day walk – means platoons of trekkers march it every day: up to 700 in peak season. Currently, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro Northern Circuit and the huts around the mountain remain closed. Officials have reported however, that Tongariro National Park remains open with Mount Ruapehu and the Whakapapa and Turoa skifields unaffected by the event.
Mount Tongariro has featured on Wanderlust's lists of the world's best day walks. Find out more here: 12 of the world's best day walks and here: Is this still the world's best day walk?
More like this
Hope for New Zealand's kakapo parrot | News... More
New trekking route for New Zealand | News... More
Tourist attractions re-open in quake-ravaged Christchurch | News... More
New Zealand home to largest International Dark Sky Reserve | News... More
New Zealand set for 'Tolkien tourism' boom | News... More