43 hikers rescued as massive fire burns in Tongariro Park

Thirteen firefighters from eight brigades are battling the blaze, assisted by three helicopters with monsoon buckets.

 The fire was reported at 3:15 p.m. on SH47, just north of the junction with SH48.

 In a statement, Damien Coutts, Director of Central North Island Operations for the Department of Conservation (DOC), told  that 43 hikers and the hut warden were "evacuated by helicopter from Mangatepopo Hut" as a precaution.

  "DOC staff are providing welfare at Whakapapa Village. We have not had any reports of anyone being injured."

  Coutts said the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Northern Circuit "are closed and will be closed on Sunday".

 "At this stage, the fire has not reached any tracks or huts."

Assistant Commander Nick West of the New Zealand Fire and Emergency Department said the fire was spreading towards Mount Ngaruhoe.

 "It is not under control," West said in an update just before 8 p.m.

 "Hikers are being airlifted from Maungatepopo Hut at Tongariro Crossing. A helicopter is checking for other hikers in the area."

 West said the cause of the fire is unknown.

 Police said the intersections between State Highway 47, SH48, and SH46 have been closed while emergency services work at the scene.

 "State Highway 47 is closed at the intersection of State Highway 46 at the northern end, and State Highway 48 at the southern end.

 "Motorists are advised to turn around or delay travel, as there are no alternative routes in the immediate area."