Updated 20 May 2013
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.
There are alerts and important notices for the following West Coast tracks and huts:
Buller area tracks
Heaphy Great Walk
- Check tide tables for coastal section at Crayfish Point.
- The third season of the mountain bike trial of the Heaphy Track opens 1 May 2013 and runs until 30 September 2013.
Wangapeka Track
- Two large slips - The track has been benched and a safety chain installed over the slip between Gilmour Clearing and Belltown Hut and re-marked over the slip between Belltown Hut and the Wangapeka Bivvy. Care is required when traversing both slip areas especially after heavy rain.
Karamea Gorge Route - Closed
- The route is closed until further notice due to large slip making access to the start of the route impossible.
Mokihinui Track
- Mokihinui Forks Hut will have limited accommodation from 20th May to 17th July. Nearby Specimens Creek hut (4km on) is available but needs to be booked via the Old Ghost Road website http://oldghostroad.org.nz
- Goat Creek Hut will be closed from 27th May until 2nd June while it is being refurbished.
Cape Fouwlind Walkway
- A rebuild of the two old viewing areas into one larger viewing platform is to commence on Monday 27 May and will be completed by 31 July 2013. The walkway will remain open with a bypass of the platform sites, unless heavy machinery or helicopters are being used, then the site will be completely closed to visitors. These times and dates will be advised as required.
- Track expected to be closed Monday 27 May while equipment is flown in and old platforms removed
For more information contact the Buller - Kawatiri Area Office.
Greymouth area tracks
Kirwans Track
- The 4WD access road to the Waitahu Valley is closed to vehicles due to a washout before the Clematis Gorge Swingbridge. You can still walk the road.
Lewis Pass short walks
- Waterfall Track is closed indefinitely.
Moonlight Track
- The Moonlight Circuit (from Croesus Track) is closed due to major windfall damage to the upper sections of the Moonlight Track.
St James Walkway
Major slips and bridge wash-out on the St James Walkway.
- Track from Lewis Pass to Cannibal Gorge Hut and onto Ada Pass Hut has approx 10 major slips on it. Take care negotiating around these slips and do not attempt in heavy rain.
- The lower Anne Bridge and a section of track 200m further upstream were washed out. The track has been re-routed but Anne River still needs to be crossed on foot along the re-aligned route. Check weather conditions and river levels before setting out. If not safe, wait it out.
Robinson River & Saddle Track
- You will encounter land slips on this track. You need to allow extra time and be an experienced tramper to negotiate your way around them.
For more information contact the Greymouth Mawheranui Area Office.
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Hokitika area tracks
If you are travelling in the Hokitika backcountry and come across track damage, please report it to the Hokitika Area Office (photos and grid references would be appreciated).
Hans Bay Campsite
Construction activities associated with the resealing of Hans Bay Campsite road will be underway from Tuesday 9 April. Due to the nature of the works this may require the complete closure of the campsite for one day - date to be confirmed. We will endeavour to keep the campsite open if possible.
Arahura and Styx Valley Tracks
- Styx Valley Track is now very rough with numerous slips to be negotiated. These slips are moving after each rain event and can be difficult to cross by inexperienced people.
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.
Bridge removals:
Due to the deterioration of the following bridges they have been removed and will not be replaced. These bridges have been removed over the past three years:
- Otehake Swing Bridge, Otehake Valley (E1494326-N5262067)
- Mungo Swing Bridge, Mungo Valley (E1452630-N5234077)
- Crawford Junction 6-Wire, Crawford Valley (E1456300-5242200)
- Hokitika River Cableway, Whitcombe Valley (E1438829-N5235905)
- Price River Swing Bridge, Whitcombe Valley (E1437336-N5224434)
- Moonbeam Swing Bridge, Waitaha Valley (E1421731-N5221381)
For more information contact the Hokitika Area Office.
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Glaciers/Franz Josef Waiau area tracks
Wanganui Valley
- Lambert Swingbridge: New six wire swingbridge open (March 2013).
- Hendes Bridge: New three-wire bridge open (March 2013).
- Smyth Hut is closed until at least the end of June 2013 while further site assessments are completed following severe flood damage in the Wanganui valley (January 2013).
- As a result of heavy rainfall in January 2013, the upper Wanganui valley track between Hunters Hut and Smyth Hut has sustained major damage, making access extremely difficult.
- Smyth swingbridge was destroyed in the above floods and there is no longer bridge access across the Wanganui River at Smyth Hut.
Terrace Walk
- Open to the bridge only due to flood damage.
Roberts Point Track
- Roberts Point Track is closed due to severe flood damage, including major structure damage. The track is not expected to reopen until mid-year (late June) 2013 at the earliest. Please check at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre and i-SITE for an update closer to your visit.
For more information contact the 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 open weekdays or Franz Josef - Waiau Area Office open 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.
- Please note that in times of severe weather such as sustained and/or heavy rain, the Copland Track may be closed (often at short notice) due to flooding and/or other damage. In instances of closure, notices will be placed at the start of the track. Please check conditions and weather at the nearest DOC office prior to departure. Refunds will be issues in these instances - please contact the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre and i-SITE for details.
Welcome Flat Hut
- Welcome Flat Hut will be closed from 17 June 2013 to 29 August 2013 while major alterations are completed. Welcome Flat Campsite will remain open, but campers can expect increased noise and activity associated with the hut building site.
Copland Pass
- Do not attempt the pass unless you have a high level of mountaineering experience and the proper equipment. Please contact DOC Aoraki Mount 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 open weekdays or Franz Josef - Waiau Area Office open seven days.
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