Local hapu Ngati Hikairo ki Tongariro blessed the track at the Mangatepopo carpark and iwi representatives were helicoptered to the summit of Red Crater where they placed a rahui, or protective restriction, on the rest of the track from Red Crater to Ketetahi.
The rahui is intended to respect the mana of the mountain and ensure the safety and protection of all people entering the region.
Local tourism operators report they are already receiving inquiries about walking the re-opened section of track.
The temporary closure also restarted talks between Ngati Hikairo ki Tongariro and DoC on the best way to manage the track, and the estimated 60,000 visitors it attracts each year.
They have come to an arrangement where volunteers from Ngati Hikairo will be at the Mangatepopo end of the track to offer manaakitanga, or hospitality, to the trampers as well as cultural and safety advice.
DoC Ruapehu area manager Nic Peet said facilities and tracks damaged needed to be made safe but DoC staff were unable to get into the area to do the work until the high risk zone was further reduced.
"However, if the current activity or inactivity continues, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing will be open before the summer trekking season starts," Mr Peet said.
As well as the track section from Mangatepopo to Red Crater, the track from Waihonunu Hut to Oturere Hut has also opened. The section of track from Oturere Hut to Red Crater remains closed, along with the section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from Red Crater to Ketetahi Rd.
DoC has been working closely with Ngati Hikairo ki Tongariro, operators and other agencies and a sign has been installed at Red Crater with information about the significance of the mountain to tangata whenua, and the eruption.