DOC closes north Pouakai Crossing
The main northern route on a popular Mt Taranaki tramping track will be partially off limits until next summer.
A section of the Pouakai Crossing from North Egmont Visitors Centre to Holly Hut has been closed for the past six weeks by a landslide after successive cyclones battered the region in late summer.
The slip, between the Boomerang Slip and Kokowai track junction, severely damaged the main access between the visitors centre and Holly Hut on the northern side of Mt Taranaki.
Trampers can still walk to Holly Hut from the visitors centre, using a two hour detour on the Ram track and Kokowai track, to rejoin the main track to the hut.
Department of Conservation senior ranger Dave Rogers said the track damage had been assessed by staff but any repairs would not be started until after winter.
‘‘We’re completely a geotechnical report and providing recommendations on what is the best solution to reopen the track,’’ he said. ‘‘The track will be closed long term for the winter and open again for the new summer season.’’
Heavy winter rains, and frosts would help dislodge any loose material above the slip and provide a better base to begin repairs, Rogers said.
No decision has been made on whether to re-route the track, or rebuild a footbridge which was badly damaged, he said.
Track closure signs are in place at the site, and there was a high risk for anyone attempting to ignore the warnings.
‘‘It absolutely dangerous for anyone to try and cross the slip on foot, ‘‘ he said.
The exposed area is often prone to erosion and slips.
‘‘It just the nature of the place,’’ Rogers said.
While visitor numbers dropped off on the Pouakai Crossing during the colder months, the 19km track to Holly Hut attracted thousands of visitors a year and is in line for part of $4.1m upgrade of facilities on Mt Taranaki.