KEY POINTS:
Climbers and skiers using Mt Ruapehu have been told not to venture higher than 2000m on the mountain.
They have been warned not to go near the Crater Lake for five days in case there is another eruption.
Ruapehu police area commander Steve Mastrovich expected a lot of sightseers in the next few days, and he said police would work with Ruapehu Alpine Lifts and the Department of Conservation to ensure people kept below the 2000m limit.
Mr Mastrovich has worked in the area for 17 years and witnessed the 1995 and 1996 eruptions and this year's lahar.
"It's a fascinating part of the country to be," he said. "There's no question about safety as far as we're concerned, as long as people don't venture beyond the operational levels of the skifields."
He said the weather forecast for the next few days was good, and he and Ruapehu Mayor Sue Morris encouraged people to visit the mountain.
Ms Morris said: "We just want people to know it's still safe to come to Ruapehu."
