Wairarapa alerts
Updated 10 May 2012
For your safety, every effort has been made to ensure this information is correct. However, you should contact the local DOC visitor centre for the latest updates. Changes to weather will affect conditions in the backcountry. Always check the latest weather report metservice.co.nz before you venture out and be prepared to change your plans if conditions are unfavourable.
Your safety is your responsibility. Make sure you plan, prepare and equip yourself for any trip into the backcountry. Follow the Outdoor safety code
To report any safety hazards or conservation emergencies call DOC HOTline - 0800 362 468. For fire and search and rescue call 111.
Access to some parts of the forest parks is across private land. To ensure this privilege continues please ensure the following:
- Keep dogs on a lead
- Take bolts out of rifles
- Leave gates as you find them
Any other access conditions can be found on roadend signage.
- Issued: 8 May 2012
- Valid until further notice
The section of the Deliverance Cove Track from the Castlepoint carpark to the Deliverance Cove Saddle will be closed for about three weeks to allow an upgrade that will include installing a boardwalk and steps. The section of track from the 'Gap' at the southern end to the saddle will remain open. We apologise for any inconvenience to people visiting this area.
Issued: 27 April 2012
The Ngapotiki hut is now closed and will be removed by the end of June 2012. Ongoing vandalism has caused the site has become unsafe and the building unfit for purpose and impractical to maintain.
- Issued: 9 March 2012
- Valid until further notice
The track from Holdsworth campsite to the Atiwhakatu Hut has sustained some damage during recent bad weather. A bridge has been washed away and another one damaged. Walkers are advised to proceed with caution as this track may become inpassable if streams and rivers become swollen.
- Issued: 27 February 2012
- Valid until further notice
There may be delays accessing walks beyond the Castlepoint lighthouse while the building is being painted. Please follow the on site instructions if walking in that area.
- Issued: 14 February 2012
- Valid until further notice
Vandals have removed signs from these locations in the Tararua and Rimutaka Forest Parks:
- The sign in the Atiwhakatu Valley pointing the way up the Hooper Loop track to Mountain House
- The sign at the junction where the track from Kiriwhakapa passes the turn-off to Blue Range
- The sign on the true right of the Waiohine River immediately over the other side of the swing bridge near the car pak (pointing to Totara Flats/Cone Hut)
- The sign directing people coming over the Rimutaka Incline onto the track that leads from Cross Creek back to the car park on the Wairarapa side
We apologise for any inconvenience this causes to people visiting these areas. The signs will be replaced as soon as possible.
- Issued: 2 December 2011
- Valid until further notice
The four wheel drive road from Corner Creek to Mukamuka Stream is closed due to erosion.
Tararua Forest Park - Tutuwai Hut track
- Issued: 27 July 2011
- Valid until further notice
The new section of track from the riverbed to Tutuwai Hut has been washed out. Please use the old tracks as an alternative route option.
Tararua Forest Park - Tauherenikau Valley, Smiths Creek to Cone track section
- Issued: 16 March 2011
- Valid until further notice
The handholds and steps on the track re-route from Smiths Creek to Cone, 10 minutes upriver from the Tauherenikau bridge true left bank, have worn off. The initial drop off from the top onto the very steep and loose face is extremely difficult to negotiate. Trampers are advised to use the river bed as an alternative, but need to check the river level first.
Tararua Forest Park - Atiwhakatu Track
- Updated: 22 November 2010
- Valid until further notice
A section of re-routed track is subsiding. Proceed with caution when walking along this slip section.
Tararua Forest Park - Bucks Road amenity area
- Issued: 12 April 2010
- Valid until further notice
There is no longer access to the river bed via the Middle track at the northwest end of the carpark due to the end point being washed away.
Aorangi Forest Park - Putangirua Pinnacles top track closed
- Issued: 9 April 2010
- Valid until further notice
The top bush walk track to the viewing platform above the Pinnacles formations has been closed for safety reasons. Access to the viewing platform is still available via the track near the base of the Pinnacles.
Tararua Forest Park - Abbots Creek bridge removal
- Updated: 15 March 2010
- Valid until further notice
The concrete bridge at Abbots Creek, at the bottom of the Pylon track in the Tararua Forest Park, has been removed. The adjacent ford is available for track access. Do not cross the ford when the stream is in flood.
Hut information
Aorangi Forest Park - Averills Hut
Averills hut has been removed in line with the Recreation Opportunities Review decision (October 2004), and will not be replaced
Rimutaka Forest Park - Battery Stream Hut
Battery Stream hut has been removed due to major structural damage which was beyond repair and will not be replaced.
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