3 November 2008 For your safety, every effort has been made to ensure this information is correct at the time of writing. However, you should contact the local DOC Office or Visitor Centre for the latest updates. Weather changes will affect the conditions in the backcountry. Always check the latest weather report (http://www.metservice.co.nz/) before you venture out, and be prepared to change your trip according to conditions.
CASTLEPOINT LIGHTHOUSE, WAIRARAPA The Castlepoint causeway and wind fence leading to the lighthouse have been removed. Access to and from the lighthouse will be restricted by high tides and strong winds.
MT MUNROE MT BRUCE TRACK, PUKAHA MT BRUCE The public track through Pukaha Forest from Braddocks Farm, Mt Munroe Road (South) to SH2 south of the Mt Bruce Visitor Centre will be closed until further notice to allow contractors to work on the track with machinery. Wairarapa Area Office Ph 06 377 0700 Wairarapa Area Office Ph 06 377 0700
WAIOTAURU TRACK, TARARUA FOREST PARK An 80 metre section of the Waiotauru track, approx. 10 minutes from the Fenceline Carpark at Otaki Forks has slipped into the river. Attempts are being made to keep a route across the slip but due to the current unstable nature of the slip care needs to be taken when using this area.
MANGAHAO RIVER NO 2 SWINGBRIDGE, TARARUA FP Mangahao River No. 2 swingbridge (Grid ref: NZMS 260 S25184592) will be closed from Monday 17 November until Wednesday 26 November to allow for major maintenance work to be undertaken. Crossing the Mangahao River is possible in normal river flows. Do not attempt to cross the river if in flood. Kapiti Area Office Ph 04 296 1112 Kapiti Area Office Ph 04 296 1112
ATIWHAKATU TRACK, TARARUA FOREST PARK Holdsworth Creek swingbridge is closed due to damage by a fallen tree, and a second bridge has been destroyed. Do not attempt to cross the creek if in flood.
CATTLE RIDGE & BUTCHER TRACKS, RIMUTAKA FP Cattle Ridge and Butcher Tracks will be closed until further notice due to windfalls. Wairarapa Area Office Ph 06 377 0700 Wellington Visitor Centre Ph 04 384 7770
RIMUTAKA INCLINE, RIMUTAKA FOREST PARK A large piece of the old railway embankment has been washed out 50 metres on the South end of the Prices Tunnel. Warning signs and flagging tape have been placed around the affected area. Please take extreme caution in this area, especially if riding bikes.
GENTLE ANNIE TRACK, TARARUA FOREST PARK Work on upgrading the Gentle Annie track will begin on 10 November 2008. The track will be closed to the public for approx. 14 weeks. An alternative route to Mountain House and Powell Hut further along the Atiwhakatu valley will remain open during this time. Pedestrian and vehicle access at Holdsworth campground will be restricted on the first two days of the operation to allow for the air lifting of equipment and materials into the worksite by helicopter. Wairarapa Area Office Ph 06 377 0700 Wairarapa Area Office Ph 06 377 0700
Due to large amounts of rain there is a high possibility of windfalls and slips. Please exercise extreme caution and report any damage to your local DOC Area Office or via the DOC HOTline 0800 362 468.
Changes to other facilities and services Tararua Forest Park hut information: Oriwa biv, Mt Dagg hut and Harris Creek hut have been removed. The woodburner at Cattle Ridge hut has been removed and won't be replaced.
Rimutaka Forest Park hut information: Battery Stream bivvy is closed after a baseline inspection by a DOC engineer revealed the need for major structural repairs. It will be removed during the summer of 2008/09 as the damage is beyond repair.
Richie