Waikato alerts
Waikato area (updated 1 February 2012)
Pirongia tramping tracks
Due to heavy rain over the summer, tramping tracks on Pirongia are particularly muddy.
Pahautea Hut, Pirongia Mountain
31/1/12 The Pahautea Hut is open and available for use after being moved 20 metres on to new foundations. Unfortunately the water supply for the hut is not yet plumbed in and hut users have to walk fifteen metres to the Campers Shelter water supply.
DOC staff will be returning to the hut to complete hut alterations from the 13th -17th of February. At that time the hut will be fully occupied by DOC staff.
All of the tracks on the mountain have been cleared, are well marked and sign posted. They are a little more muddy than usual after a very wet spring/summer.
Te Tapui Scenic Reserve
This reserve is temporarily closed to hunting from 4 September 2011 while possum and rat control is undertaken in the reserve. It will reopen for hunting on 1 March 2012 under the balloted permit system.
Kakepuku Track
A new access track is being constructed to the summit and leads from the end of the old farm track to link onto the existing summit track near the top of the mountain. This track is a walking track only and mountain bikes strictly prohibited. Visitors are asked to comply with signage and contractors directions. The existing track may be closed for short periods when helicopters are flying under slung loads. Work will be completed in 2012.
Whangmarino historic site
The track is being upgraded but is open for use. Work to be completed includes wetland view point development and interpretative signage.
For further information please contact:
Maniapoto area (updated 7 February 2012)
Waitomo Walkway
Slips have occurred on the Waitomo Walkway along the Waitomo Stream between Te Anga Road and Ruakuri Scenic Reserve. Special care is needed when crossing these areas.
Piropiro campsite
Logging operations will be sending equipment into Piropiro on 5-6 January 2012, with logging crews starting work on the 9 January 2012. Logging trucks will start working in the area on the 11 January 2012. The operation may take up to five weeks. Logging intention signs have been put in the shelters at the campground.
For further information please contact: