St James Conservation Area motor vehicle access

Off-road vehicles (4WD vehicles, quad bikes and motorbikes) need to register with DOC before accessing St James Conservation Area.

Public vehicle access is restricted to drier periods - but can be closed anytime to avoid damage to the tracks.

Before leaving, ensure you check the gate will remain open for your entire visit via the DOC website or by contacting the Waimakariri Area Office +64 3 313 0820 during office hours.

Where can I drive in St James?

Access is restricted to the Edwards Valley and Maling Pass 4WD tracks from Tophouse Road as far as the signs by the Waiau River.

Vehicles are not permitted on Waiau River bed, or on the western side of the Waiau River without prior permission of the Waimakariri Area Manager.

Note: Access can be closed at any time due to safety risks, bad weather, threats to conservation or track damage.

How do I get into St James?

Vehicle access is controlled by gates with different combination locks at the two track entrances, at Edwards Valley and Maling Pass car park.

The gates are locked to ensure drivers are aware of the code of conduct and any other conditions before entering the area.

The combination is changed regularly. It is available via this website by filling in the St James motor vehicle access online form.

Once you have sent the form, the gate combination code details will come up on a new page on this website. Note: this is not emailed seperately.

Combinations are only given for a 3-4 week period from the date you submit this form.

Alternatively, contact Waimakariri Area Office during working hours: ph +64 3 313 0820; waimakariri@doc.govt.nz

In the weekends, contact the Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre for information.

Vehicle trial

Off-road vehicle access into St James Conservation Area is being trialed.

This trial will help the Department form the long-term rules for access, to be implemented through the Canterbury Conservation Management Strategy 2012.

Please obey all signs and report (and photograph if possible) any vehicles seen in other areas. Damage caused by vehicles in protected areas could result in the whole area being closed to vehicles.

Code of conduct

• Lock the gate after you.
• Stay on the 4WD tracks and stop driving at the signs that mark the end of vehicle access
• Do not take your vehicle on the Waiau River bed or across the river.
• Decontaminate your vehicle at the last culvert before the top of Maling Pass to prevent the spread of didymo.
• Abide by the lNZ Transport laws and regulations covering all vehicles and drivers (e.g. all drivers are licenced, all vehicles warranted and registered).
• Ensure your vehicle is free of any weeds and plant or animal matter before entering this area.

Shared-use track code of conduct

These are shared-use tracks; walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders will also be on them.

• Be prepared for the unexpected.
• Drive at a speed that enables you to stop if a hazard arises.
• Approach a blind corner no faster than walking speed as other users may be just around the corner.
• Give way to walkers, horses and mountain bikes.
• As a general rule, vehicles travelling downhill give way to uphill traffic.

Your help is needed to make this work

The success of this trial relies on 4WD users following the vehicle code of conduct.

• Any damage caused by vehicles not following the code could result in the whole area being closed off to vehicles in the future.
• Report any vehicles observed across the Waiau River or not following the formed vehicle track. Note date, place, vehicle registration, any other details and photograph if possible.

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