A new warning system is in place at the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. PHOTO/ SUPPLIED
A new warning system is in place at the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. PHOTO/ SUPPLIED
Signs with electronic flashing lights have been installed on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to warn walkers about the danger of volcanic activity.
The signs are battery-powered, and the warning level can be changed from green to orange or red remotely by Conservation Department staff.
Green means danger level is normal,rather than there's no danger. Orange means the danger is higher and red means it is too high and people should turn around and leave the area.
Installing the lights has enabled the crossing to stay open through the busy summer season, when there can be 1500 people on the track on any day.
The system has been used elsewhere in the world - for example, at Japan's Mount Aso volcano, where lights warn visitors about the amount of sulphur dioxide in the air at the crater rim.
The Tongariro lights are in four places - large lights at the Mangatepopo and Ketetahi car parks and smaller lights at the boundaries of the zone around the Te Maari craters that erupted in August and November last year.
More information for walkers is available at www.doc.govt.nz/volcanicrisk
