Vehicle access to Harrisons Bight
Background
In June 2004, the Nature Heritage Fund (NHF) purchased part of Clent Hills pastoral lease in association with a number of local land owners. The 10,000 hectares purchased extend around the southern shores of Lake Heron to the Taylor Range. This is now administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC) as part of Hakatere Conservation Park, which consists of nearly 60,000 hectares of rugged mountain country, tussocklands, beech forest, rivers and lakes.
Between late 2004 and 2007 there has been considerable consultation and discussion regarding off-road vehicle usage of the track to Harrisons Bight, Lake Heron.
Decision regarding access
A final decision was made in September 2008 to allow managed, seasonal off-road vehicle access to this site.
In order to protect the area's outstanding natural values, there will be no boat access and no boat launching facility over this section of the lake.
Access to the track will be through a locked gate and those wishing to use it will need to obtain a permit for each season.
Conditions of use
The final 2008 decision was subject to specific conditions of public usage outlined by the following five key points:
- That vehicle usage is seasonal (generally November to April).
- That vehicle owners will require permits to use the track and that permit holders comply with the permit conditions.
- That permit holders are briefed regarding usage expectations, prior to permit issue.
- That the track may be closed (temporarily or permanently) at any time that:
a) breaches of the permit conditions become unacceptable; or
b) unseasonal weather conditions affect the site. Unseasonal weather conditions could include extreme fire danger or wet ground.
- That permits will only be issued to owners of 4WD vehicles that are legally registered and, therefore, display registration plates.
Visit the Hakatere Conservation Park activities section to
find out how to obtain a permit.
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