description Ketetahi fumaroles Overview
The Ketetahi fumaroles are geothermal steam vents on the northern side of Mount Tongariro, an active volcanic complex in New Zealand's central North Island. They release heated gases and vapor from the volcanic system and are visible near the Ketetahi section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The vents are natural volcanic hazards rather than recreational hot pools, and access around them may be affected by volcanic activity, unstable ground, and land-management restrictions.
help Ketetahi fumaroles FAQ
Where are Ketetahi fumaroles?
They are geothermal steam vents on the northern side of Mount Tongariro in New Zealand's central North Island. They are associated with the Ketetahi section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/tongariroalpinecrossing?parkId=9cad4a74-ecf8-40bf-8d21-d99ac6be44c4®ion=CentralNorthIsland)
Can hikers approach Ketetahi fumaroles?
No, DOC advises that fumaroles should not be approached because the steam can be very hot and the ground may be unstable, causing severe burns. Stay on the marked track and do not touch geothermal water. [Department of Conservation safety guidance](https://www.doc.govt.nz/tongariroalpinecrossing?parkId=9cad4a74-ecf8-40bf-8d21-d99ac6be44c4®ion=CentralNorthIsland)
Are Ketetahi fumaroles linked to Mount Tongariro's 2012 eruption?
They are part of the same active volcanic setting, and DOC records the most recent eruption from the Te Maari vents in 2012. That does not make every steam vent an eruption crater, so the safe conclusion is that the area remains volcanic hazard terrain. [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/tongariroalpinecrossing?parkId=9cad4a74-ecf8-40bf-8d21-d99ac6be44c4®ion=CentralNorthIsland)
Is Tongariro Alpine Crossing safe when the track is open?
An open track is not a guarantee of zero volcanic risk, because the crossing passes through volcanic hazard zones. DOC tells walkers to check current volcanic information from GeoNet, understand eruption procedures, and keep away from fumaroles. [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/tongariroalpinecrossing?parkId=9cad4a74-ecf8-40bf-8d21-d99ac6be44c4®ion=CentralNorthIsland)
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