A camping holiday
Date: 19 December 2008
An expected increase in the number of people going camping this summer will provide opportunities for holidaymakers to explore public conservation areas, according to Department of Conservation (DOC) East Coast Hawke’s Bay Conservator, Peter Williamson.
“The eastern side of the lower North Island has a reputation for hot dry summers, providing great conditions for camping. Apart from the larger areas of public conservation land such as the Raukumara, Kaweka and Ruahine Forest Parks and Te Urewera National Park, there are also many smaller areas where campers can relax and enjoy themselves.
An advocate working in the Waikaremoana area over summer, will provide information to visitors on freshwater pests such as didymo to ensure that holidaymakers do not unintentionally damage waterways.
On East Cape, Te Ara ki Hikurangi, the Hikurangi Walkway is open but Hikurangi Maunga will be closed to the public on Wednesday 31st December 2008 and Thursday 1st January 2009 for cultural purposes. Contact Te Runanga O Ngati Porou for further information.
“People in East Coast Hawke’s Bay are very fortunate to have a great range of natural areas to explore and enjoy. We ask that visitors observe a few basic rules for their own safety and for the protection of the environment and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer,” Mr Williamson said.
Background information
Hawke's Bay
Boundary Stream Mainland Island inland from Lake Tutira provides a glimpse of what Hawke’s Bay forest was like before the introduction of pest animals. Intensive pest control since 1996 has allowed native plants and animals to flourish. Re-introduced species include North Island robin, kiwi and kokako.
Te Angiangi Marine Reserve in Central Hawke’s Bay provides an opportunity to enjoy the restoration of a marine ecosystem.
Ruahine Forest Park has many recreational opportunities including the Sunrise Track that provides superb views of the plains.
Kuripapango Campground is about 60 kilometres inland from Napier on the road to Taihape. The nearby Ngaruroro River provides opportunities for fishing, rafting and swimming and the secluded, sheltered location makes it ideal for camping. Kuripapango has space for 20 tent sites and 10 campervans.
Further information on local conservation attractions can be obtained from DOC’s Hawke’s Bay Area Office, phone +64 6 834 3111.
Gisborne Area
Anaura Bay Camping Area is located off SH 35, between Tokomaru Bay and Tolaga Bay, 85 km north of Gisborne. Campers must supply their own chemical toilet. Dump stations for chemical waste and a rubbish removal service provided. Water is provided, but campers are advised to boil it before drinking it. Sites cost $15 per night. A warden will be on site.
Cook’s Cove Walkway south of Tolaga Bay, Anaura Bay, Te Kuri and Otoko walkways are open. Most walkways cross private land and access is only available due to the generosity of landowners. Visitors are asked to behave considerately and remember that dogs and mountain bikes are not permitted on walkways.
Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve north of Gisborne is a popular site where the effect on the marine environment of seven years of legal protection can be seen.
Opotiki Area - Boulders is an informal camping area located at Te Waiti off Otara Road in Opotiki. It has long drop toilets, barbecue and picnic facilities and campsites cost $7 per night per site.
Whitikau is an informal camping area located on Takaputahi Road off the historic Old Motu Road. It has long drop toilets, barbecue and picnic facilities.
Manganuku Camping Area is in the Waioeka Gorge. Water and sealed vault toilets are provided at the camping area. Sites cost $7 per night. A warden will be on site.
Te Pakau (Eight Acre) in the northern part of Te Urewera National Park is a standard campsite accessed via Matahi Valley Road. It has toilets and stream water. A warden will be on site over the Christmas and New Year period.
Te Urewera National Park
Due to the danger they pose to wildlife, pets are not permitted in the park. Hunting dogs are not permitted in the park over summer. The park has a “pack it in, pack it out” policy, so any rubbish taken into the park must be taken out again.
Lake Waikaremoana - informal lakeshore campers are encouraged to supply and use chemical toilets. A booking system is in place for use of campsites and huts on the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk and for the use of Sandy Bay Hut near Lake Waikareiti. Hut wardens will be available to provide information and check bookings at the Great Walk huts over the holiday period. Information on bookings is available from the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre, phone +64 6 837 3900 or email: urewerainfo@doc.govt.nz
Hunters should take care to positively identify all targets and be aware that high numbers of trampers, anglers and family groups are likely to be present in the bush. For the period 24th December to 31st January, hunting is not permitted in the Lake Waikaremoana catchment except in the Aniwaniwa Valley, east of Papakorito Falls and the Hopuruahine Valley, west of Hopurahine Road bridge. For the period 24th December to 31st January, hunting is not permitted in the Waimana Valley, from Orouamananui to Te Panaa.
Motorists on SH 38 in the park are advised to take care on the road and keep left especially on all corners. Boaties are asked to check and clean all gear to ensure that aquatic weeds are not being transported to Lake Waikaremoana.
Water care
Visitors to waterways are asked to take care with cleaning of gear and boats to prevent the spread of aquatic pests such as didymo which has clogged South Island rivers. The most effective way to prevent the spread of aquatic pests is to keep equipment, boats, clothing and other items for exclusive use in a single waterway. People moving between waterways should always check, clean and dry all gear, clothing, boats and vehicles that could contaminate other streams, rivers or lakes.
All obvious clumps of algae found while checking should be left at the affected site. If found later, after leaving the affected site, algae clumps should be treated with the cleaning method below, dried and put in a rubbish bin.
Cleaning should involve use of a detergent solution ensuring surface contact for one minute. A 5% solution of dishwashing liquid is suitable. If cleaning is not practical as in the case of livestock, after the item is completely dry to the touch, wait a further 48 hours before contact with another waterway. Felt sole waders or boots should not be used as they are difficult to clean and regarded as a major risk for the spread of didymo.
Fire safety
Campers using gas-cooking equipment should be aware of the flammability of tent material. It is preferable that cooking is done on gas stoves, but if necessary, any open cooking fire should be in a properly constructed fire place, at least three metres away from any flammable material. Visitors to conservation areas are reminded that only dead wood may be used for fires. It is an offence to cut any living vegetation including manuka, in any conservation area.
Bush safety
Weather conditions can change rapidly. In the event of heavy rain, extra care should be taken with river crossings. Visitors to remote areas should check route details for planned destinations and weather forecasts before setting out. For further information see the Plan & Prepare section.
Contacts
The East Coast Hawke’s Bay Conservancy Office, Opotiki, Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne Area Offices (including Wairoa and Te Araroa) will close at 12 noon on Wednesday 24th December 2008 and re-open at 8 a.m. on Monday, 5th January, 2009. The Aniwaniwa Area Office will be closed Christmas Day only.
For all fire emergencies, please dial 111. For conservation emergencies such as whale strandings or to report any safety hazards, please phone the 0800 DOCHOTline (0800 362 468).
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