Wairarapa alerts
Updated 23 May 2013
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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.
Note: 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.
- Powell Hut track upgrade - The track will be upgraded from January through to July 2013. Contractors will be on site with heavy machinery working on entire track from Rocky Lookout through to Powell Hut. The track remains open but caution is advised when approaching work sites. Please use any re-routes or diversions provided and if no re-route available please proceed with caution.
Issued: 12 December 2012
- Atiwhakatu track upgrade - The track will be upgraded from December 2012 through to May 2013. Contractors will be on site with heavy machinery working on entire track from Donnelly Flat through to Atiwhakatu Hut. The track remains open but caution is advised when approaching work sites. Please use any re-routes or diversions provided and if no re-route available please proceed with caution. During this period there will be a reduced capacity at Atiwhakatu Hut of up to 6 bunks.
Issued: 12 December 2012
- Atiwhakatu Track/ Powell - Jumbo Circuit - A bridge has been washed away on the track from Donnelly Flat to Atiwhakatu Hut. Walkers are advised to proceed with caution as this track may become impassable if streams and rivers become swollen. Re-construction of the bridge has begun. Please be aware that contractors will be working at the site during the first half of 2013. Please use any re-routes or diversions provided.
Issued: 9 March 2012 - Valid until further notice
- Atiwhakatu Track - A section of re-routed track is subsiding. Proceed with caution when walking along this slip section.
Updated: 22 November 2010. Valid until further notice
Other areas
- Slips from Tutuwai Hut to Kaitoke Roadend - Slips and washouts across this section of the track may add up to 2 hours to the original completion time. They have caused the terrain in some areas to become steep, narrow and slippery. Caution is required when crossing.
Issued: 28 January 2013. Valid until further notice
- Waiohine bridges - New bridges will be built over Clem, Makaka, Little Totara and Totara Flats creeks from January through to June 2013. Contractors will be on site with heavy machinery working on the bridges. The tracks remain open but caution is advised when approaching work sites. Please use any re-routes or diversions provided and if no re-route available please proceed with caution.
Issued: 12 December 2012
- Mitre Flats, Totara Flats and Tutuwai Huts - Gas cooking facility removal. Due to health and safety and economic reasons the gas facilities at these huts have been permanently removed. The Department of Conservation will continue to supply firewood to the three huts, which will provide heating and also a cooking source via the woodstoves installed. The three huts will remain listed as 'serviced' huts.
Issued: 6 July 2012
- Tutuwai Hut track - 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.
Issued: 27 July 2011. Valid until further notice
- Tauherenikau Valley, Smiths Creek to Cone track section - 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.
Issued: 16 March 2011. Valid until further notice
There are no current alerts for the Rimutaka Forest Park.
There are no current alerts for the Aorangi Forest Park.
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