Tracks ‘stood up well’ in recent weather events

Department of Conservation staff have been “pleasantly surprised” at how well tracks have fared around the region after recent weather events. 

Senior ranger community David Lynn said DoC staff had been regularly checking tracks in the Gisborne, Māhia, East Coast, and inland areas. 

“They have stood up well after the area’s winter weather events,” Lynn said.  “Although some areas remain very wet and muddy, they are still being used by members of the public daily and are safe to walk.” 

Tracks open to the public include: 

•Māhia Scenic Reserve track on Kinikini Road. 

•Mangaone Caves Historic Reserve track, 4km north of Nūhaka. 

•Three Mōrere tracks – Cemetery, Ridge and Nīkau Loop – but these are only accessible from Tunanui Rd. 

•Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve. 

•Gray’s Bush. 

•Te Kuri Walkway although it will be closed from August 1 to Labour Weekend for lambing as it is a working farm. 

•Cook’s Cove Walkway – the region’s most used track – is also open but will close from August 1 to Labour Weekend for lambing. 

•The Anaura Bay track is partially open due to damage. 

“Other inland tracks, like the Whinray Scenic Reserve track at Motu and the Moanui-Koranga-Tawa Loop track, 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,” Lynn said. “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.”