Public 4WD motor vehicle access is closed for winter

Due to the wet conditions of the Maling Pass and Edwards Valley tracks, 4WD motor vehicle access is closed for winter from 30 April 2013.

Access for two and four-wheeled motorbikes

As lighter two and four-wheeled motorbikes have less impact on the tracks, they are still permitted to use the Maling Pass and Edwards Valley tracks over winter.

Access is via the narrower gates used for mountain-bike, horse and foot traffic.  These gates are not locked and are located by the 4WD Maling Pass gate and one km south of the 4WD Edwards Valley gate on Tophouse Road.    

Note:

• Motor/quad bikes are only permitted on the two 4WD tracks as far as the Waiau River
• Motor/quad bikes are not permitted on the Peters Valley Track, leading from the St James Homestead to the Edwards Valley track
• Motor/quad bikes must follow the codes of conduct for motorised vehicles and shared-used tracks:     

Motorised vehicle code of conduct

• 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.
• 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.

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.

4WD vehicle access expected to reopen in October 2013

Subject to track conditions, access for heavier 4WD vehicles could open again as early as October 2013.  Once opened, visitors will be able to access the codes for the combination locks on the two gates through registering on the DOC website.    

For more information contact the Waimakariri Area Office during working hours: ph +64 3 313 0820; waimakariri@doc.govt.nz