The fire impacted varied terrain including, sub-alpine scrub, alpine scrub, wetlands, frost flats and pockets of kaikawaka forest. Photo: Supplied/DOC
Fire and Emergency has confirmed a "controlled burn" in the vicinity of the massive Tongariro wildfire was not the cause.
A spokesperson said there was a controlled burn in the area at around 1.30pm on Saturday.
"This was attended by the National Park Volunteer Fire Brigade to ensure it was under control. Once they assessed everything was under control they left it with the landowner.
"It was not linked to the later fire."
FENZ was first alerted to the wildfire, the cause of which remains under investigation, at around 3.15pm Saturday.
In a statement, the Department of Conservation, which had now taken over management of the fire ground, said rain was dampening down the impacted land with the park.
Overnight 27mm fell, with more rain predicted on Thursday and Friday.
DOC staff were still assessing damage to tracks and structures. Photo: Supplied/DOC
DOC said ground crews and drone surveys had identified no new fire activity.
"With more precise mapping we have now got updated figures revealing fire has affected 2935 hectares of Tongariro National Park. This is over varied terrain including, sub-alpine scrub, alpine scrub, wetlands, frost flats and pockets of kaikawaka forest."
After a tough few days, some DOC firefighters are being stood down.
"The situation will continue to be managed by the local DOC office, with out-of-town DOC firefighter crews heading home. The local office will continue to ensure appropriate fire containment and safety assessments occur as they start to look towards recovery and restoration of the impacted area."
DOC staff were still assessing damage to tracks and structures.
"It will take some time for us to get the full picture of damage. Some structures have been significantly damaged or destroyed, while others have emerged entirely unscathed.
"Our initial understanding is that Mangatepopo Hut, the only hut in the affected area, is in good condition, but services like water supply have been affected."
DOC said it expected to give an update on access and track conditions on Sunday 16 November
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing and tracks in the vicinity of Whakapapa Village remain closed until at least Monday.
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