Firefighters and locals in the central North Island, are keeping their eyes on the wind as a wildfire continues to grow

Fire crews are utilising 12 planes and 12 helicopters to tackle the blaze at Tongariro Forest Park which has ballooned to cover 1600 hectares.

Dozens of hikers have been airlifted as a precaution and five facilities in the fire's vicinity have also been evacuated.

Fire and Emergency is working with Police, Iwi, DOC, and civil defence to

Hiker Wendy Smit, says she has been on alert since finishing the Crossing yesterday.

She says she kept her bags packed incase she needed to evacuate in a hurry overnight.