8 October 2008

Be prepared for adverse conditions due to recent bad weather

Trampers and visitors to forest parks in the Wellington region are warned to watch out for, and report, slips and tree falls following yesterday’s high winds and heavy rain.

A major slip has closed the road to the Waiohine Gorge road, one of the eastern entrances to the Tararua Forest Park. It is likely to be closed for at least a week while the road is cleared but the situation will be updated on the DOC website if anything changes, says DOC Wairarapa area manager Chris Lester.

“If people are visiting the area they should be aware that the adverse conditions we’ve had may have affected tracks and there are already reports of trees down and minor slips.”

With more than 450mm of rain falling over 30 hours, rivers within the forest parks are running high and people should avoid attempting to cross them, Mr Lester warned.

The department is still repairing and assessing damage caused by previous winter and spring storms, including windfalls and slips.

The last 1.5km of the road into the Mangahao Valley in the western Tararua Forest Park remains closed after heavy rain last month caused road subsidence before the top dam. There is only limited parking space, and visitors are urged to keep the road and driveway access clear.

Cattle Ridge and Butcher Tracks in the Rimutaka Forest Park remain closed until further
notice due to windfalls from winter storms.

Trampers who come across conditions considered dangerous to others are urged to contact the DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) or for more minor issues, the nearest DOC office.- Wairarapa Area Office (Eastern Tararuas): Phone: 06 377 0700; Kapiti Area (Western Tararuas): Phone 04 296 1112; Poneke Area (Rimutaka Forest Park): Phone 04 472 5821. Accurate descriptions and photos would be appreciated so DOC can quickly resolve the problem.

ENDS

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