DoC wants to smooth path for walkers on Tongariro

Two people have died on the crossing in the past year. Photo / Alan Gibson

Professional guides may be allowed on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in a bid to improve safety on the popular walk.

Guiding has not previously been allowed on the crossing but the Department of Conservation wants to make it safer after a series of injuries and incidents involving walkers there.

Those who get into trouble, many of whom are tourists, are generally ill-prepared or ill-equipped for the terrain.

The department has already added the word "alpine" to the crossing's name in a bid to spell out what people can expect. The change was signalled this year at a Coroner's Court inquest into the death of American tourist Raydene Shepard, who died on the walk last year.

Her death was the second on the crossing in 12 months, during which there were also at least 24 rescues.

Department of Conservation Turangi/Taupo area manager Dave Lumley said using professional guides was another option to help ensure safety.

Part of the track crosses private land and the department is negotiating with the owners over guiding.

Mr Lumley said the landowners were preparing a management plan for permitted activities and it was not yet known whether this would include guiding.

He said if the landowners permitted guiding it would give those wanting to walk the crossing another option.

It was just one of several changes being planned to make the crossing safer for those who used it.

Mr Lumley said advising the public and the tourism industry of the name change was complex and the department was working closely with Tourism New Zealand, local i-sites and tourist operators to get the message across.

He said as well as the rebranding, the department was taking several other practical steps to improve safety.

He said they included an ongoing project to upgrade the track surface and alignment, developing a deviation past what was known as the Devil's Staircase and new signs at strategic points suggesting visitors turn back if their fitness or the weather was failing.

DoC also hoped to improve the descent from Red Crater to Emerald Lakes, where many injuries were known to occur.

Mr Lumley said in contrast to many South Island tracks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing was easily accessible and raising awareness on the changeable nature of its alpine conditions was an ongoing challenge.

He said people often got caught out because they did not realise how quickly the weather changed or the level of fitness needed.