The local hapū, Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro, has placed a rāhui on the Taranaki Falls and Tama Lakes tracks until 6am on Tuesday, December 30.

To show respect, all hikers in the area were asked to consider using alternative tracks during the rāhui.

This rāhui will also affect those wishing to hike the Tongariro Northern Circuit between Whakapapa Village and Waihohonu Hut.

“With deep respect and sadness, we acknowledge a recent passing within Tongariro National Park,” the hapū said in a statement shared by the Department of Conservation.

“Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro offers aroha to the whānau and recognises the significance of this loss within our rohe.”

Guiding and transport operators for the Taranaki Falls and Tama Lakes tracks have also been made aware of the rāhui.

– RNZ