West Coast alerts
Updated 3 February 2012
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.
On this page:
Buller area tracks
Heaphy Great Walk
- Check tide tables for coastal section at Crayfish Point.
- There is to be NO mountain biking on the Heaphy Great Walk Track until 1 May 2012, when it will be allowed until the 30 of September.
Wangapeka Track
Two large slips - The track has been benched and safety chain installed over the slip between Gilmour Clearing and Belltown Hut and remarked over the slip between Belltown Hut and the Wangapeka Bivvy. Care is required when traversing both slip areas especially after heavy rain.
Karamea Gorge Track
Thed track is CLOSED until further notice due to large slip making access to the start of the track impossible..
Contact Buller - Kawatiri Area Office
Greymouth area tracks
Lake Christabel Track
Experienced parties only. The Lake Christabel track has some river damage. In heavy rain it can be difficult to follow where the river has cut into the track line. Trampers must be experienced if they wish to complete this tramp.
Waterfall Track is closed.
Due to heavy flood damage the track is closed indefinitely.
Moonlight Road
The last 3.5km of the Moonlight Road is CLOSED until further notice, while bailey bridge repairs are undertaken. Walking and MTB access is still available to the area closed to vehicles (but river crossing skills are required).
Moonlight Track
There are several slips across the track. Some are dangerous and should only be attempted by experienced trampers.
Access to Waikiti, Waiheke, Trent & Tutaekuri Rivers.
Heavy Rain has destroyed the council vehicle bridge on Haupiri Amuri Road, where it crosses the Waikiti River. This will severely restrict access to the above valleys.
Contact Greymouth - Mawheranui Area Office
Hokitika area tracks
Hokitika Area backcountry has received a lot of heavy rain recently and visitors can generally expect to encounter slips and other damage on the backcountry tracks. There is still some snow around so ice axe, campons and avalanche skills are required if you are travelling in the Hokitika backcountry.
Goldsborough Campsite - Open
Locke Stream Hut, Taramakau Valley
The radio from this hut has been removed and will not be replaced.
Three Pass Route - Styx Valley and Arahura Valley - CAUTION
The Styx River has cut into a vertical gravel cliff 20 minutes from the Styx car park. To continue up the valley be prepared to cross the river at normal flow below and above this slip. Parties or individuals that are not confident with river crossing should travel through via the Arahura valley.
The alternative via the Arahura Track has a major slip south of Snowball Creek. Caution is advised when crossing this slip.
Cedar Flat Hut, Toaroha Valley - Hut CLOSED from March 2012
Cedar Flat hut is to be extended from six bunks to 12. The construction work will begin in March 2012. At this time the hut will be unavailable. We plan to have the hut re-open by Easter 2012.
Contact the Hokitika Area Office
Glaciers/Franz Josef Waiau area tracks
Lambert Swingbridge, Wanganui Valley
Major landslide at Lambert Swingbridge. Track impassable. Bridge destroyed. CLOSED until further notice.
Hendes Creek, Wanganui Valley
Bridge CLOSED due to flood damage
Terrace Walk
Is OPEN to the bridge only due to flood damage.
3 Mile Pack Track
The Bridge across the 3 mile Lagoon is closed until December 16 until a new bridge is built; the track is open and lagoon and mountain views are still possible from near the closure point.
Contact Franz Josef - Waiau Area Office
Glacier Valley Walks
Access to the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier Valley walks changes often due to rain and river valley conditions. Please check at local DOC centres for the most up to date information.
South Westland - Weheka Area Office weekdays or Franz Josef Waiau Area Office seven days
South Westland area tracks
Copland Track:
There are two landslides on the Copland Track. Trampers are advised not to cross these areas during or immediately after persistent rain. Check with DOC Visitor Centres at Franz Josef or Haast before commencing your trip. Rough Creek Flood Bridge is now open. It is recommended to use the bridge only when Rough Creek is in flood.
Copland Pass
Do not attempt the pass unless you have a high level of mountaineering experience and the proper equipment, please contact DOC Mt Cook as part of your planning. "Please be aware that the cable that hangs down the moraine wall onto the Hooker Glacier is prone to damage. Please do not use this cable as any significant weight may cause it to break."
South Westland - Weheka Area Office weekdays or Franz Josef - Waiau Area Office seven days
DOC offices
Buller area
Greymouth area
Hokitika area
Franz Josef area
South Westland area
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Haast Visitor Centre
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Phone:
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+64 3 750 0809
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Address:
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Haast Junction
Corner SH6 and Jackson Bay Road
Haast
South Westland
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Email:
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Full office details
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Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Visitor Centre
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Phone:
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+64 3 435 1186
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Address:
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1 Larch Grove
Aoraki/Mt Cook
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Email:
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Full office details
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