The Department of Conservation (DOC) has advised that the Abel Tasman Coastal Track has fully reopened following the repair of slips and other damage from a storm in mid-July.
A section of the popular Great Walk in the Abel Tasman National Park had been temporarily closed, from Mārahau to Anchorage, due to the damage.
DOC Motueka Operations Manager, Chris Golding says staff have been out on the track since the heavy rain on Tuesday.
“There are several areas with minor damage, which are all passable with care. Please make safe decisions for your ability level and if you have any doubts, don’t go ahead. We’ll get these tidied up in the coming weeks when we can,” says Mr Golding.
“Some planned maintenance is happening between Bark Bay and Onetahuti for another month or so. There will be machines operating so please follow all instructions from the staff and contractors.”
Mr Golding says access to the Kahurangi National Park from the Tasman District is still severely limited by road closures.
“We’re working out repair options for Graham Valley Rd, which is the gateway Flora Car Park and some of the region’s most popular alpine walks. Over the Takaka Hill, the Cobb Valley is also closed due to several slips,” he said.
“There’s no timeframe for when these will reopen, please check the DOC and Tasman District Council websites for the latest.
“The Wangapeka River Rd is open, but a four-wheel-drive is required as there has been some storm damage.”
The Top of the South has had several storms in the last month and anyone going into the outdoors should be prepared to potentially come across track damage.
The DOC website will be kept up to date as things change. Anyone planning to head out should check for the latest before their trip.
Make safe decisions and report issues to 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
