• Wildfire spreads across 2,500 hectares in Tongariro National Park.
• Rain has stalled the fire's progress but complicated aerial firefighting efforts.
• Over 40 hikers airlifted to safety amid ongoing evacuation efforts.
• No casualties reported, yet the cause of the fire remains unknown.
• Extensive ground and aerial firefighting operations are in effect.

A wildfire in Tongariro National Park has engulfed approximately 2,500 hectares since Saturday, leading to widespread evacuations of campers and hikers. As of Sunday, authorities reported around 43 hikers and a warden had been airlifted to safety, with additional rescues ongoing. The park, known for its hiking trails, faces significant disruptions as state highways have been closed and a no-fly zone established, according to aa and scmp.

Firefighters are experiencing challenges due to adverse weather conditions, including fog that has grounded rescue aircraft. Despite these issues, rain has assisted in temporarily halting the blaze's expansion, allowing ground crews to engage more effectively. However, authorities have not ruled out the potential increase in fire size once weather conditions improve for aerial reconnaissance, according to reuters.

The precise cause of the wildfire is still under investigation, with officials treating it as a potential crime scene. Fire and Emergency New Zealand has mobilized significant resources, deploying 15 helicopters and several fixed-wing aircraft, alongside ground crews, to combat the fire effectively, as reported by scmp and reuters.