A German tourist has died on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, despite the efforts of a group of tourists who tried to walk him to safety.

Sergeant Tere Morunga says the 53 year old was walking the crossing on his own yesterday.

A group of four Germans in their twenties came across the man at the Blue Lake, around half way through the crossing.

Sergeant Morunga says the group became concerned the man was unwell and attempted to walk him to the end of the crossing.

A shuttle bus driver tramped up to meet the group but the man's condition deteriorated and he died before medical help arrived.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.