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Canterbury pesticide summary

Avalanche information:

www.avalanche.net.nz

Updated: 23 February 2012

View the latest updates and important notices about places managed by DOC in the Canterbury region.

On this page:

Arthur's Pass and Craigieburn/Torlesse ranges
North Canterbury
Christchurch and Banks Peninsula
Mid and South Canterbury
Mackenzie Country and Waitaki
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

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.

Rivers: Heavily snow-loaded alpine valleys and routes, combined with spring nor-west rains may cause flood surges in the rivers and streams. Check the latest forecast and make good assessments regarding safe crossing before entering the water.

Avalanche risk: Spring-like snow conditions have now evolved and climbing conditions are continually changing. Please stay advised of the latest avalanche / snow information. For avalanche information visit: www.avalanche.net.nz

Arthur's Pass National Park and Craigieburn/Torlesse ranges

Storm damaged routes

Extremely heavy rainfall received has caused considerable damage to some tramping routes/tracks - particularly in western catchments.

Avalanche Peak: Patch of snow at the top of Avalanche Track.
Tarn Col - Walker Pass: Suspended ice in stream below Tarn Col requiring care to pass.
Binser Saddle: Windfall trees.
Cass Saddle: Avalanche damage below hut and windfalls between Lagoon Shelter and the saddle.
Edwards valley: Windfall trees.
Harman Pass: (Taipo River - Julia Hut - Mid-Taipo Hut) Multiple track washouts; slow going!
Kellys Creek: Numerous Track wash-outs; slow going.
Otehake valley: Major landslides in the lower valley area (1.7 km downstream of Whaiti Stream) require care to cross. This route is not maintained (overgrown, multiple trees fallen) and should only be attempted by experienced parties.
Poulter valley: The Poulter Valley Track (walking, mountain biking) is closed between the Mt White Road (Poulter Bridge) and Pete Stream. Recent heavy floods have completely destroyed several large sections of track. These sections cannot be safely crossed.
Rolleston River Track: Slow going with considerable damage to the track.
Rough Creek: Snow at top and numerous windfalls.
Taipo River - Kellys Range: A large landslip on the upper track requires extreme care.
Taramakau valley: Fallen trees on Otira River flood-track. Emergency shelter at Taramakau junction has been washed away.
Three Passes Route: The track past major landslips from Grassy Flats Hut to the Styx Road end has been re-routed. Care is still required along the river bed when river levels are higher than normal. The alternative via Arahura Track also has landslides south of Snowball Creek and at Tillers Gulch. Ice axe, crampons, avalanche skills required.

Arthur's Pass local walks

Bealey and Otira valley walks: Avalanche risk may be high on the Bealey and Otira valley walks. Check latest status at the visitor centre.
Bealey valley track: There is a new link track joining to the Dobson Nature Walk (permanent signage yet to be erected). Note: current publications do not show the new track alignments.

Changes to other facilities and services

Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre: The visitor centre is undergoing renovations until late October. Some facilities will be affected from time to time.
Avalanche Creek Shelter campsite: This does not have powered sites as described in some publications.
Avoca Homestead (Broken River): The road to the homestead is now closed about 1 km prior to the Broken River ford.
Carrington Hut: The radio is not currently working.
Lake Pearson: Due to vandalism only limited toilet facilities are available at present.
Locke Stream Hut (Taramakau valley): The radio based in this hut has been permanently removed.

Please enquire at the Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre for further information:

Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
Phone:	+64 3 318 9211
Address:	SH 73 Arthur's Pass
Email:
Full office details

North Canterbury

St James Walkway

Anne Hut: Now open. The new 20-bunk hut is located 800 m below the Henry and Anne river confluence on the southern terrace (Lewis Pass BT23, E1561202 N5311131 NZTM).
Numerous slips along the walkway following heavy rain, but these can be negotiated.
Washout on the track heading to Magladen Hut. Negotiable with care.

St James Conservation Area

Vehicle access: Public vehicle access for off-road vehicles (4WD vehicles, quad bikes and motorbikes) is now open for summer for those registering to take their vehicles into the area. It may be closed at any time due to wet and dangerous conditions; check the latest status via the website.

Nina and Doubtful valleys

Lucretia Stream and Duchess Stream: Both footbridges have been permanently removed. (Lewis Pass BT23 463992 and 444987). The track between these streams is not maintained.
Doubtful Hut: Hut has suffered vandalism damage; it is habitable but the fireplace cannot be used.
Nina Valley: Washed out section oif the track has been re-routed and marked.

Sylvia Flat hot springs

The hot springs are closed due to an active landslide area in the vicinity of the pool.

Christchurch and Banks Peninsula

Packhorse Hut: Gebbies Pass track is now open.
Godley Head: Closed. All walking and mountain biking tracks in this area are closed due to earthquake damage.
Nikau Palm Gully Scenic Reserve: Closed due to danger from falling rocks.
Lyttelton Reserves (Major Hornbrook, Chalmers, Crater Rim) closed due to rock hazards. It is very important that the public to not enter the reserves at any point. See Christchurch City Council website for Port Hills tracks updates.
Ripapa Island Historic Reserve: Closed, repairs to the fort required.
Historic Adderley Head Signal Station: Closed due to severe earthquake damage.

Mid and South Canterbury

Forest Creek access, Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park: Access up Forest Creek is by walking in the creek bed only. This access is not marked or sign-posted. The public land in Forest Creek is administered by the Commissioner of Crown Lands. DOC is currently working with the Commissioner of Crown Lands to develop this access.
Kakahu Scenic Reserve Track: Kakahu Scenic Reserve Track is closed due to track condition.
Staveley lime kilns: Closed - these kilns are closed due to fallen masonry following the 2010 Canterbury earthquake

Mackenzie Country and Waitaki

Stony Stream Bivvy damaged in rock fall: This small bivvy located within Stony Stream, Dobson valley, in Ruataniwha Conservation Park was damaged by major rockfall. It is now unsafe and all visitors to the region are advised to keep clear.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Ball Pass Crossing: There is still snow in the gully leading to the 'Playing fields' on the east Hooker valley side of the crossing.
Mueller Hut Route: The route to Mueller Hut is now snow free.
Sealy Tarns Track: A major upgrade of this track is ongoing. Short delays are a possibility. Your patience is appreciated.
Mueller Hut.There is a water shortage at this hut. Please conserve water.

De La Beche Hut. The planned date for demolition of this hut is the 20 February 2012. The work will be done by NZAC members. If you have any queries or would like to discuss anything, please contact the Aoraki Mount Cook Visitor Centre.