Wildfire Highlights Importance of Being Prepared

A well-planned sunset day trip in Tongariro National Park quickly turned into a dramatic helicopter rescue for 23 walkers after a small bush fire escalated beyond what anyone had expected in November 2025.

Experienced trip leader Mike Forbes, from social walking group Auckland Outdoors, first noticed the fire on the way to the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It was over 10 km away from Mangatepopo Carpark and the start of the track.

“It looked like a small fire, and firefighters were already there,” says Mike, a volunteer firefighter himself with over 25 years’ experience. “At that stage, I thought it would be under control quickly and didn’t believe it was a risk to our group.”  

Not leaving anything to chance, Mike briefed the group when they reached the carpark. Based on the size of the fire and its distance from the track, they all agreed it was safe to continue.

Mike Forbes | Auckland Outdoors

They set off about 3.30 pm, passing Mangatepopo Hut and continuing on to Red Crater (1,868 m), the highest point on the track. Their plan was to watch the sunset at the summit and then retrace their steps by the light of the moon – and head torches where needed.

Conditions for the trip were perfect, with a sunny day and the promise of a clear, starry night and full moon. But when they reached Devil’s Staircase, about two hours after setting off, the situation had changed significantly.

“We could see that the fire was clearly spreading, creating a large plume of black smoke,” says Mike.

At that point, a Department of Conservation ranger came past them on the track. When she learned of their plans, they were told to turn back immediately to the hut where they would be evacuated by helicopter.

Understandably, some of the group were concerned that they’d be walking directly toward the fire, but Mike had already prepared an alternative route in case the track became unsafe, which he shared to ease their concerns.

 As it was, the group made it back to the hut without incident and ended their trip with a memorable chopper ride to safety.

“It wasn’t the outcome any of us could ever have imagined when we set off that afternoon,” says Mike. “It shows how unpredictable the outdoors can be and that fire risk needs to be a consideration. Being well prepared, assessing conditions as they change and staying calm helped us make good decisions when things didn’t go to plan.”

The fire, which began on 8 November 2025, swept across nearly 3,000 hectares. Leaving nothing in its path unscathed, it severely impacted the park’s unique landscape, flora and fauna, wildlife and track infrastructure, before it was contained on 12 November 2025.

Mike’s takeaways

• Research the track. Before the trip, Mike had assessed walking times, track conditions and visibility under moonlight, and developed an exit route.
• Be prepared. Walkers had been given a detailed gear list and pre-trip briefing. Mike carried emergency equipment, including a personal locator beacon and comprehensive first aid kit
• Record contact details. Mike says getting the names and numbers for everyone on a trip is essential, allowing the leader or emergency contact to provide information to emergency services.
• Leave your trip intentions. Mike’s wife, Helen, was the emergency contact and had all the details about the trip. She was able to get a message to everyone’s contacts to let them know they were safe.
• Use Plan My Walk. Mike uses NZ Mountain Safety Council’s free trip planning tool to plan a trip and share trip details.
• Communicate. When on the trip, Mike listened to concerns and perspectives from everyone in the group and ensured they were part of the decision-making process.
• Have a plan B. Mike had a potential exit route planned, in case conditions changed or the track was compromised.

PHOTO CREDIT | Mike Forbes | Tongariro National Park wildfire, November 2025