13 August 2012
Karapiro section of Waikato River Trails closed due to dropouts
Part of the Karapiro section of the Waikato River Trails was closed today (Monday 13 August 2012) after contractors
discovered dropouts following the weekend’s storms.
Waikato River Trails’ general manager Glyn Wooller says the Trails’ contracting team found two dropouts and a partly
washed-out bank during a post-storm inspection of the early sections of the trail today.
“With the heavy rain and storms of the past few days it appears that the retaining area in a couple of spots hasn’t
withstood the forces of nature,” said Mr Wooller.
The two dropouts occurred between Little Waipa Reserve and Powerhouse Road. A piece of the bank between Little Waipa and
the Pokaiwhenua Carpark was also scoured from the approaches of the boardwalk bridge. The Trails’ contractors closed the
section of trail, erected signage, and taped off the two dropout areas. “The boardwalk bridge area has also been taped
but not closed off as it’s on the road section so doesn’t affect the usability of the trail,” Mr Wooller said.
“After every storm or significant weather event our contracting team goes out and assesses the entire trail for damage.
We have a total of 100km from Lake Karapiro to Atiamuri to go over and we expect to complete our inspections tomorrow
(Tuesday). Contractors have checked from Powerhouse Road to Arapuni Dam and we can confidently give the all-clear for
that stretch.”
Mr Wooller said the Karapiro section would remain closed until it had been fully assessed by an external contractor, and
any restorations completed.“It’s very important that in the meantime people observe this closure as the dropouts may
have undermined further sections of the trail.”
About The Waikato River Trails
• The Waikato River Trails, the second full “Great Ride” to be completed under Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle
Trail, was officially opened on Saturday 5 November.
• The Waikato River Trails extend 100km along New Zealand’s longest river, the “Mighty Waikato”. The trails
stretch from Atiamuri to the upper end of Lake Karapiro and take in five lakes, four hydro dams and a number of small
towns and villages.
• The Waikato River Trails showcases the very best of the Waikato region’s natural environment.
• The Waikato River Trails is a partnership project between Waikato River Trails Trust, The New Zealand Cycle
Trail project, Mighty River Power (Major sponsor), South Waikato District Council (Major supporter), and the Waikato
Regional Council and Taupo District Councils as well as a range of other project partners and funding supporters.
• Construction of the Waikato River Trails began in 2003 with the support of a group of very committed local
people determined to create social and economic opportunities for the South Waikato community. In the last eight years a
number of schools and the wider community have all contributed to the project.
ENDS