Tongariro Alpine Crossing's distinctive Emerald Lakes are now weed free

Known for their jewel-like colours, the Emerald Lake shores have been smothered by the invasive weed bulbous rush for some years.

DOC Supervisor Danial Van der Lubbe says rangers have conducted weed control twice a year since 2019.

He says for the first time, its density is down to undetectable levels.