Five helicopters and multiple crews are working to extinguish a large vegetation fire near Tongariro National Park.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews were first alerted to the fire, which was 110 hectares in size, around 1.10pm, Fire and Emergency NZ said in its latest update.

There are 10 trucks and six support vehicles in attendance working alongside the helicopters.

Crews from National Park, Owhango, Whakapapa, Ruapehu Rural, Waimarino Rural, Turangi, Southern Lake Taupo Rural and Whanganui are in attendance.

Photo / Liz Brooker Tōī Communication

The fire is on the eastern side of State Highway 47 in the vicinity of Tongariro National Park.

Police have advised that the road between State Highway 48 and Mangatepopo Road is now closed. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays. 

There are five fire engines there and three helicopters.

Colin Baker from Ruapehu Scenic Shuttles told NZME he received a video of the blaze and five minutes later the fire siren went off.

“Someone told me it was a third-alarm fire.”

Baker said it was “rapidly developing”.

He said he has received multiple phone calls about it and that the fire was reported to be in multiple locations.

More trucks are on the way, with a further two helicopters on standby if needed, Fire and Emergency said.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said SH47 between Waimarino and Tongariro was closed.

“Due to vegetation fires, the road is closed between SH46 and SH48.

“Follow the detour and allow extra time for travel.

“If travelling southbound, detour via SH1 and SH49. Reverse for northbound.”

The Department of Conservation said on its Facebook it was aware a fire had been reported near where the November blaze took place in Tongariro National Park.

“We are currently working with Fire and Emergency NZ to get more information and will share details once we know more.”

A large vegetation burnt thousands of hectares in Tongariro National Park last month and triggered evacuations and closed highways.

- More to come