West Coast alerts
Updated 26 April 2012
Remember - safety is your responsibility! Always check the latest information about facilities and conditions with DOC before you set out. Report hazards to DOC Hotline 0800 362 468.
On this page:
Buller area tracks
Heaphy Great Walk
- Check tide tables for coastal section at Crayfish Point.
- There is to be NO mountain biking on the Heaphy Great Walk Track until 1 May 2012, when it will be allowed until the 30 September 2012.
- Contractors will be onsite from the 30th April until the end of August 2012 constructing the new Heaphy Trampers Hut. The existing trampers hut is still available for use, but expect extra noise and associated activity during the construction stage.
Wangapeka Track
Two large slips - The track has been benched and safety chain installed over the slip between Gilmour Clearing and Belltown Hut and remarked over the slip between Belltown Hut and the Wangapeka Bivvy. Care is required when traversing both slip areas especially after heavy rain.
Karamea Gorge Track
The track is CLOSED until further notice due to large slip making access to the start of the track impossible.
Contact Buller - Kawatiri Area Office
Greymouth area tracks
The Robinson Track
Trampers will encounter land slips on the track. Trampers must allow extra time and be experienced to negotiate their way around them.
Waterfall Track is closed.
Due to heavy flood damage the track is CLOSED indefinitely.
Contact Greymouth - Mawheranui Area Office
Hokitika area tracks
Backcountry in the Hokitika area has received a lot of heavy rain recently and visitors can generally expect to encounter slips and other damage on the backcountry tracks. There is still some snow around so ice axe, campons and avalanche skills are required if you are travelling in the Hokitika backcountry.
Otehake Swing Bridge, Otehake Valley
Due to the deterioration of the Otehake Swing Bridge (E1494326-N5262067) it has been removed and will not be replaced.
Three Pass Route - Styx Valley and Arahura Valley - CAUTION
The Styx River has cut into a vertical gravel cliff 20 minutes from the Styx car park. To continue up the valley be prepared to cross the river at normal flow below and above this slip. Parties or individuals that are not confident with river crossing should travel through via the Arahura valley.
The alternative via the Arahura Track has a major slip south of Snowball Creek. Caution is advised when crossing this slip.
Cedar Flat Hut, Toaroha Valley - OPEN
Cedar Flat Hut is now open and has been extended from six bunks to 12.
Lake Mahinapua Campsite Toilets: Upgrade from Monday 16th April onwards.
The Lake Mahinapua Campsite is having an additional two toilets added to the toilet block. During this time the toilet block will be unavailable for use. Portable toilets will be in place and there will be limited access to water. It is hoped that this upgrade will be completed by 30th April. We apologise for the inconvenience.
Contact the Hokitika Area Office
Glaciers/Franz Josef Waiau area tracks
Lambert Swingbridge, Wanganui Valley
Major landslide at Lambert Swingbridge. Track impassable. Bridge destroyed. CLOSED until further notice.
Hendes Creek, Wanganui Valley
Bridge CLOSED due to flood damage.
Terrace Walk
OPEN to the bridge only due to flood damage.
Contact Franz Josef - Waiau Area Office
Glacier Valley Walks
Access to the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier Valley walks change often due to rain and river valley conditions. Please check at local DOC centres for the most up to date information.
South Westland - Weheka Area Office weekdays or Franz Josef - Waiau Area Office seven days
South Westland area tracks
Copland Track
There are two landslides on the Copland Track. Trampers are advised not to cross these areas during or immediately after persistent rain. Check with DOC Visitor Centres at Franz Josef or Haast before commencing your trip. Rough Creek Flood Bridge is now open. It is recommended to use the bridge only when Rough Creek is in flood.
Copland Pass
Do not attempt the pass unless you have a high level of mountaineering experience and the proper equipment. Please contact DOC Mt Cook as part of your planning. Be aware that the cable that hangs down the moraine wall onto the Hooker Glacier is prone to damage - do not use this cable as any significant weight may cause it to break.
South Westland - Weheka Area Office weekdays or Franz Josef Waiau Area Office seven days
DOC offices
Buller area
Greymouth area
Hokitika area
Franz Josef area
South Westland area
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Haast Visitor Centre
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Phone:
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+64 3 750 0809
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Address:
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Haast Junction
Corner SH6 and Jackson Bay Road
Haast
South Westland
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Email:
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Full office details
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Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Visitor Centre
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Phone:
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+64 3 435 1186
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Address:
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1 Larch Grove
Aoraki/Mt Cook
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Email:
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Full office details
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