Many people from around the world were excited to get back onto the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Tongariro Northern Circuit after the very small ash eruption which closed the track for monitoring last week. Ngati Tuwharetoa through hapu Ngati Hikairo ki Tongariro, conducted a Te Whakapainga (the journey to make right) prior to the re-opening of the track. Visitors are able to walk the full Northern Circuit or out and return to the Oturere junction at the Emerald Lakes which are even more spectacular as a result of the recent volcanic activity, including the summits of Mt Tongariro and Ngauruhoe.
All reports were no unexpected events and everyone enjoyed the volcanic landscape.