Man dies on Tongariro Crossing

A German tourist has died on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, despite the efforts of a group of tourists who attempted to walk him to safety.

Turangi police Sergeant Tere Morunga said the 53-year-old man was walking the crossing on his own yesterday, having been dropped off earlier by a shuttle bus.

A separate group of four Germans in their 20s came across the man during the afternoon at the Blue Lake, around half way through the crossing.

They stayed with him after becoming concerned he was unwell and attempted to walk him to the end of the crossing, Mr Morunga said.

The shuttle bus company was contacted to say the man would be late for his pick up after he indicated he was all right. The shuttle bus driver tramped up to the group but the man's condition deteriorated and he died before medical help arrived.

Mr Morunga praised the actions of the tourists who tried to get the man to safety, and the shuttle bus driver who they say did all she could to assist.

The death has been referred to the coroner.