A teenager with a fractured ankle on Mt Tongariro is helped to the Taupo Greenlea rescue helicopter earlier this year.
Hikers tackling the Tongariro Crossing are being urged to keep their wits about them as days become shorter and conditions more hazardous.
Police have had to coordinate 14 search and rescue operations in the last few weeks, and expect that figure to rise with the end of daylight saving on
Saturday night.
Senior Constable Barry Shepherd said while some minor injuries and illnesses couldn't be avoided, hikers shouldn't underestimate the Alpine Crossing.
"It is not an easy hike and it's admirable to see so many people, across all age ranges, physically challenging themselves to take it on," he said.
"However, it is important that people are realistic about the challenge and the time needed to complete it, as this will only become more exaggerated as the days get shorter."
