Working with DOC on closed tracks and huts

Since we collated a list of closed tracks and huts earlier this year, we’ve had very positive meetings with the Department of Conservation about the issues involved. The good news is that some tracks have already reopened and DOC has clarified ones that aren’t actually closed.

At this stage, DOC has confirmed that:

• Deep Creek in Victoria Forest Park is open, but the route between Golden Lead Battery and Progress Water Race following Deep Creek is no longer maintained and the swing bridge has been removed.
• The Ōhau Gorge Track has recently reopened.
• The new Asbestos Cottage Track is providing access to Asbestos Cottage. The Cottage itself has been decontaminated and reopened. The old track is being removed from the DOC network.
• Ferny Gair Conservation Area is fully open.
• The Demon Trail on the Hollyford Track is open, but there are slips and significant treefall on the track section between McKerrow Island and Hokuri Huts. The track is for experienced trampers and people should proceed with caution and allow extra time.
• Porika Track is open.
• Zoo Hut – the hut is currently open but please note that there is a problem with the toilet. Check Zoo Hut webpage alerts for updates.

 There’s also work to come on:

• Eastern Ōkataina Walkway – funding for work on this track was announced on 15 May. $1 million boost for Tarawera and Ōkataina tracks | Beehive.govt.nz
• Wairere Falls Track – remedial work is expected to start on the coming months.
• Harataonga Coastal Walkway – Auckland Council is assessing the damage, but there is currently no timeframe for when the walkway will reopen.

DOC is also working on detailed guidance for local offices on dealing with common scenarios where they may be considering a closure.

We’d like to thank DOC and their staff for their hard work on keeping these tracks and huts going, and on the wider policy issues. And of course, thanks to everyone in our community who shared the information we could collate. If you know of any changes to closures, please let us know.

We’ll continue to update you on progress.

Image: Ray Salisbury