Otago alerts

For your safety, every effort has been made to ensure that this information is correct at the time of writing. However, you should contact the local DOC visitor centre for the latest updates. Changes to weather will affect conditions in the backcountry. Always check the latest weather report (metservice.co.nz) before you venture out and be prepared to change your plans if conditions are unfavourable.

Go to the Mount Aspiring National Park alerts page, or see below for other Otago areas.

Central Otago
Coastal Otago
Wakatipu Area
Wanaka Area

Central Otago

Oteake Conservation Park

• Manuherikia West Branch: Sections of the track are still very damaged on the valley floor and travel is difficult above Boundary Hut. Recommended for experienced 4WD users only - caution required. 
• Manuherikia East Branch: vehicle track is now free of snow and accessible to 4WD.

Please note: Other tracks in Oteake Conservation Park are still subject to winter conditions including snowdrift.

Although there are no current alerts or warnings for other tracks in the Central Otago area, you are still advised to contact the nearest visitor centre when planning to walk a track.

Central Otago Area Office
Phone:	+64 3 440 2040
Full office details

Coastal Otago

• The forestry section of the Government Track in Waipori Forest is closed until further notice due to harvesting operations.
• Gabriels Gully Track may be closed intermittently between October 2009 and April 2010 for a track upgrade. Notices will be posted on site.   

Although there are no current alerts or warnings for other tracks in the Coastal Otago area, you are still advised to contact the nearest visitor centre when planning to walk a track.

Coastal Otago Area Office
Phone:	+64 3 477 0677
Full office details

Wakatipu Area

Greenstone/Caples Track

• There is a landslip on the Kay Creek Track, a side trip off the main Caples Track. The valley floor route is possible when the river level is low. Crossing the slip during high river levels requires extreme care.

Great Walks tickets

• With the closure of the Glenorchy Visitor Centre all Great Walks tickets should be uplifted from the Queenstown Visitor Centre.

Wakatipu Area Office
Phone:	+64 3 442 7933
Full office details

Wanaka Area

Gillespie Pass Track

• The landslip dam that formed on the North Branch of the Young River in September 2007 still poses a potential risk to trampers. It is recommended that the Young Valley be avoided during periods of heavy rain until the heavy rain period is over.

Motatapu Track

• Snow and ice present - the track from the  Fern Burn Hut to Macetown is not recommended in current conditions. 

Mt Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre
Phone:	+64 3 443 7660
Address:	Ardmore Street Wanaka 9305
Email:
Full office details

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