Date:  24 July 2024

Senior Ranger Community David Lynn says DOC staff have been regularly checking tracks, and have found most of the tracks in the Gisborne, Mahia, East Coast, and inland areas are standing up well after the area’s winter weather events.

“Although some areas remain very wet and muddy, they are still being used by members of the public daily and are safe to walk,” says David.

Tracks open to the public include:

• Mahia Scenic Reserve Track on Kinikini Road
• Mangaone Caves Historic Reserve Track – 4km north of Nuhaka.
• Three Morere tracks – Cemetery, Ridge, and Nikau Loop – remain open, but are only accessible from Tunanui Road.
• Gisborne tracks open include Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve, Gray’s Bush, and the Te Kuri Walkway (Te Kuri Walkway will close from 1 August to Labour Weekend for lambing, as it is a working farm).
• Cooks Cove Walkway – the region’s most used track – is also open but will close from 1 August to Labour Weekend for lambing.
• The Anaura Bay Track is partially open due to track damage.

Other inland tracks, like the Whinray Scenic Reserve Track at Mōtū and the Moanui-Koranga-Tawa Loop tracks, are also open, with two six-bunk huts on the Moanui-Koranga-Tawa Loop track (Tawa Hut and Koranga Forks Hut) available on a first-come, first-served basis. Branching off the Tawa track is a walk taking visitors to another six-bunk hut (Kahanui Hut).

“It’s important to prepare for your trips before you go,” says David. “For the most up-to-date information visit the Department of Conservation website or email gisborne@doc.govt.nz.”

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