Nelson Tasman alerts
Updated: 4 April 2013
On this page:
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. To report any safety hazards or conservation emergencies call DOC HOTline – 0800 362 468. For fire and search and rescue call 111.
Note: This notice only reports on changes that differ to what is stated in brochures and on the website. Other tracks, facilities and services in Nelson Tasman region are operating as normal.
Abel Tasman Coast Track
- The road to Totaranui is OPEN.
- Gibbs Hill Track is now closed for mountain biking.
- Bark Bay high tide track - the temporary bridge erected over Waterfall Creek should not be used during heavy rain when the river is touching or flowing over the deck.
- Torrent Bay - water taxi and charter vessel use: Please note that water taxis and day charter vessels are no longer able to pick up passengers or their gear from Torrent Bay. There is a limited drop off service operating in the morning between 9.00am and 12.00. The nearest pick up points to Torrent Bay are Anchorage (30 minutes -low tide or 1 hour 30mins - high tide) and Bark Bay (2 hours).
- Water taxis can still visit Torrent Bay outside of these hours to service landowners and their guests at Torrent Bay Township.
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Anchorage Hut is being removed from 6 May 2013 to make way for a new hut being built on the site. There will be no hut accommodation at Anchorage until the new hut opens around 5 November 2013. Camping is available at Anchorage campsite or alternative hut accommodation is available at Bark Bay Hut, three to four hours' walk from Anchorage.
For more information contact the Nelson Regional Visitor Centre.
Heaphy Track
- The third season of the mountain bike trial starts on 1st May 2013.
- Crayfish/Koura Point - check tide charts in Heaphy Hut and Kohaihai Shelter. Only cross when sea conditions are suitable.
- Bookings phone: +64 3 546 8210.
For more information contact the Nelson Regional Visitor Centre.
Nelson Lakes
- Changing weather conditions in the park can still cause frost, snow and freezing temperatures overnight. Be prepared: have adequate gear and check the weather before you go.
- Sabine-D'Urville Track - a bridge (grid reference: E1571366, N5359831) has suffered flood damage. Trampers will have to cross a stream which is approximately 1 m deep at normal flow. After rain the stream may not be safe to cross.
- Angelus Hut and Campsite must be booked between 26 November 2012 and 30 April 2013.
- Recent flooding has caused the loss of the bridge and signage at the junction of the Speargrass and Angelus tracks before Speargrass Hut.The creek may be unsafe to cross following heavy rain and visitors should not take unnecessary risks. Temporary signs have been put in place to show directions to Speargrass and Angelus Huts, however visitors should make themselves familiar with times and distances before heading out.
For more information contact the Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre.
Kahurangi National Park
- Access to Flora Car Park via Graham Valley Road: Danger! Graham Valley Road, access to Flora Car Park is closed to all vehicle traffic and pedestrians due to a new slip. The land is very unstable with sizeable rock falls. There is a high risk of physical injury to anyone in the vicinity and access should not be attempted.
- Courthourse Flat and Siberia Flat - Bumble bees: Campers are advised that there are large numbers of bumble bees at Courthouse Flat and Siberia Flat which may make camping uncomfortable. The bumble bees will sting if entangled in clothing.
- Lower Wangapeka Track: Extreme caution required. Trampers need to exercise extreme caution when crossing a large slip on the lower Wangapeka Track. The slip is located approximately 1.5 hours walk from Rolling Junction road end. In October 2012 this massive slip created a 15 metre high natural dam and a new lake approximately 1 kilometre long and up to a depth of 20 metres. When crossing the slip trampers should move quickly, following the marked route and if possible use a spotter to watch for falling rocks. In heavy rainfall, trampers downstream of the dam should move to at least 20m above the Wangapeka river bed level if they see the water suddenly become discoloured.
- Wangapeka Track - emergency bridge at Waters Creek: The emergency crossing 3 wire bridge at Waters Creek, near Helicopter Hut, has been closed due to damage. During low or normal river flow Waters Creek can be crossed without the aid of the 3 wire bridge. Visitors should be aware of changes to weather patterns, and monitor rivers and creeks after heavy rainfall.
- Wangapeka Track - western end: Two large slips. The track has been benched and safety chain installed over the slip between Belltown Hut and Gilmour Clearing and remarked over the slip between Belltown Hut and the Wangapeka Bivvy. Care is required when traversing both slip areas especially after heavy rain.
- Possum control: Wakamarama and Burnett Ranges. The Animal Health Board and DOC will be carrying out a 1080 aerial possum control operation in this area in June. Two walking tracks are located in the area, the Kaituna Track and Mt Stevens Track. Both will be closed after the baits have been dropped until an inspection by DOC staff is completed and any bait on the track is removed. Warning signs will be erected. Please observe all rules whenever you see warning signs about the pesticide.
- Parapara Peak Route: There are many windfalls on the route that make it slow going in places..
- Kahurangi mountain biking: Mountain bikers have year-round approval to ride Kill Devil Track to Waingaro Forks Hut and return, and the track from Flora Saddle (Graham Valley) to Barren Flat in Upper Takaka. Both are being trialled for 3 years. See the Heaphy Track above for information on seasonal riding of that track.
Other track and useful information
Mt Richmond Forest Park
- Mt Duppa Road: This road has been reduced to 4WD and is very narrow in places.
- Boulder Stream Hut (grid reference : Topo 50 map sheet BR25, E1611206, N5386812) has been removed from its site at Manuka Island, Mt Richmond Forest Park.
- Wakamarina Track - access via Kiwi Road (Northbank) is closed. Access in the Northbank is via Bartletts Road.
- Maungatapu Road is closed. For more information contact Nelson City Council, phone +64 3 546 0200.
- Right Branch Wairoa Hut has been removed and the tramping track in that valley is no longer maintained.
- Mt Richmond Forest Park access roads - in Blenheim, this information is displayed on Northbank Road just off SH6. Check if the access roads to Mt Richmond Forest Park are open on this page or at the DOC Regional Visitor Centre in Nelson +64 3 546 9339.
- Access to Saddle Hill, Zig Zag and Pukatea tracks in Mt Richmond Forest Park off Central Rd in Hira Forest are closed due to forestry operations.
Wairau Hanmer Hydro Road (Rainbow Road)
- The Rainbow Road between Hanmer Springs and St Arnaud can be closed on a short notice depending on the road / weather conditions and river levels.
For information on the current status of the road please contact the Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre in St Arnaud or visit the Lone Star Farms Ltd website.
For more information contact the Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre.
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