DOC Canterbury track and facilities closures update

Date:  10 September 2010

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has been busy inspecting all facilities and reserves in Canterbury following the recent seismic activity. Many buildings and tracks have suffered damage as a result of the earthquakes and the Department asks that members of the public please comply with all safety signs at Department of Conservation sites.

Aftershocks are still continuing and safety assessments are being continually updated. As a result the following sites are closed until further notice:

The track to Sharplin Falls, Mt Somers, is closed due to a major rock fall and will not reopen for some time. The Staveley Lime Kiln has suffered extensive structural damage and has been closed in the interests of public safety.

Ōtukaikino Reserve has been severely affected by the earthquake – with structural damage to boardwalks. Liquefaction has caused the upheaval of an enormous amount of sand and the water table has risen significantly, flooding the wetland basin. The reserve is extremely unsafe at this current point in time and remains closed.

The Kaituna end of the track leading to the Packhorse Hut is closed due to slips; however all access to the hut was already closed for the lambing season. The hut itself has lost part of its chimney and cracks have developed around the door and window frames.

The tunnel and the track to the Godley Head searchlights are closed, after a large amount of rock debris fell from the cliffs above. There is the possibility of further aftershocks dislodging weak or freshly exposed rocks.

There is also some structural damage to some of the gun emplacements at Godley Head and these have been cordoned off as a precaution.

Members of the public are also advised that the wharf at Ōtamahua/Quail Island has sustained damage and extreme caution is recommended. Buildings on the island do not appear to have suffered any damage and, whilst the island has not been closed, caution is advised. Ripapa Island remains closed.

All Area offices are currently operational however; DOC’s Canterbury Conservancy Office in Hereford Street will be closed until at least Monday morning.

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