Tongariro Alpine Crossing Track Upgrade
Central Plateau
Keir Projects recently completed a major upgrade to one of New Zealand’s most iconic walks — the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Known for its dramatic volcanic landscape and alpine conditions, the Crossing draws thousands of walkers each year. But maintaining this remote track is no small task.
- LOCATION
Tongariro National Park, Central Plateau - COLLABORATORS
the Department of Conservation (DOC), Rotor Work Helicopters - COMPLETED
2025
This project focused on resurfacing and upgrading the 6km stretch from the Ketetahi toilets down to the carpark. The goal: improve safety and accessibility, while helping protect the fragile alpine environment for future generations.
Keir Projects was engaged to reconstruct and resurface the lower Ketetahi section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Working closely with DOC, the team installed a long-lasting aggregate surface designed to hold up in this exposed, high-altitude environment.
To help manage foot traffic and protect the surrounding environment, we also built and installed 45 timber stair units. These structures guide walkers along the path, reducing erosion and encouraging people to stay off delicate alpine areas.
The result is a safer, smoother, and more defined route for everyone.
Accessing this part of the track was challenging. With no road access and constantly changing alpine weather, materials and equipment had to be flown in by helicopter — over 300 tonnes of aggregate, timber, and rock in total.
Led by Alan Ball, the Keir Projects crew managed a tight schedule, planning every detail around flight logistics, weather windows, and DOC guidelines. It took careful coordination and a lot of resilience — but the team delivered.
Despite snow, wind, and remote working conditions, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track upgrade has been built to last and ready for whatever Tongariro throws at it.
At the heart of this project was the goal to protect the environment while making it more accessible. The improved surface and stair structures help keep walkers on the track, minimising damage to the surrounding vegetation and reducing erosion.
It’s a small but important step in helping preserve this taonga for future generations — proof that good construction can go hand in hand with conservation.
Thanks to the combined efforts of DOC, Heli A1, Helicopter Services, and our dedicated crew, this stretch of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is now safer, stronger, and ready for years of foot traffic without compromising the environment.