Police say the person died after they were hit by a boulder while tramping on Mt Taranaki. Photo: Flickr users Kathrin & Stefan Marks / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
A tramper has been struck and killed by a falling boulder on Taranaki Maunga.
Police were called around 4pm on Sunday after a person was critically injured on the mountain.
They said in a statement that a male died at the scene after loose scree from the slopes dislodged the boulder which hit him.
Police Search and Rescue, assisted by the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust team and members of the Taranaki Alpine Cliff Rescue team, recovered the body.
Police named the man as Christoph Heinrich Huelsmann, 57, of Lower Hutt.
Earlier this month, the Department of Conservation (DOC) closed the Around the Mountain Circuit until further notice due to severe storm damage and erosion wiping out sections of track in recent weeks.
Taranaki operations manager Gareth Hopkins said yesterday's fatality happened on the North Ridge of the Summit Track, which was not part of the Around the Mountain Circuit.
"The death of the tramper yesterday is a reminder of the inherent risks of recreation in the alpine environment. People planning to visit Taranaki Maunga and undertake these activities need to understand the danger the mountain presents.
"Our condolences go to those impacted by yesterday's incident."
DOC had made the call to close the Stony River/ Hangatahua Route after assessing storm damage to the area and closure of the route meant trampers could not complete the full circuit.
"The route has become unsafe for trampers due to erosion and the ongoing risk of rock fall. Access from the Bells Falls junction (near Holly Hut) through to Kahui Hut is closed. This will impact trampers attempting the Around the Mountain Circuit."
Hopkins said the western and southern sides of Taranaki Maunga were particularly prone to severe erosion, flooding and lahars leading to track damage. This had worsened in recent years.
"We urge the public to stay off this track. The park has a range of other tramping and day walk options for visitors to enjoy."
Police extended their condolences to Huelsmann's family and thanked those who had assisted with the recovery efforts.
The death will be referred to the Coroner.