Steep Terrain Advisory Issued: Experts Advise Against Hiking in the Mountains following Heavy Rainfall
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is urging the public to exercise caution and avoid using public conservation land and regional parks during the Waitangi weekend in certain regions due to flooding and heavy rain.
The severe weather in the upper North Island has been devastating, with Auckland and Northland experiencing record-breaking rainfall. This has created safety concerns about possible damage to tracks and huts, leading to temporary closures of popular outdoor destinations. For example, the Hooker Valley Track in the South Island was closed after heavy rain caused erosion and bridge damage, and other tracks or campsites are temporarily closed for repairs or safety reasons related to recent weather events.
The DOC advises visitors to respect closures and safety warnings, as remote areas may not have immediate rescue options, and waterways can become hazardous during floods. It is essential to share your plans and take ways to get help, such as telling a trusted friend your trip details and taking a distress beacon, which can save lives.
In addition to the DOC's advice, the new New Zealand Land Safety Code includes choosing the right trip, understanding the weather, packing warm clothes and extra food, sharing your plans and taking ways to get help, and taking care of yourself and each other. The MSC's Plan My Walk app and website can support trip planning by finding the right track, checking for track alerts, the correct weather forecast, and ticking off the suggested gear list.
The Auckland Council Regional Parks manager also advises against going into the parks until further notice due to ongoing damage assessments. The MSC Chief Executive warns that the extent of potential damage to tracks and huts is unknown at this stage.
The upper North Island has been hit hard by the weather, with MetService issuing heavy rain warnings and watches for Coromandel, Bay of Plenty including Rotorua and Tauranga, and Taranaki. The number of tramping injuries and search and rescue call outs during Waitangi Weekend is twice as high compared to a typical weekend, according to MSC insights.
In light of these conditions, DOC continues to advise against going onto public conservation land in affected areas, even if sites are still open. It is recommended to choose a track that suits everyone's skills and abilities, and ensure it matches the forecast weather conditions. Packing warm clothing layers and extra food is also essential for preparing for bad weather and an unexpected night out.
The long weekend is here for the rest of New Zealand, but safety should be the top priority. Stay off affected public conservation land and regional parks during the Waitangi weekend to prevent accidents and allow for needed repair work.
For more photos or to request an interview, contact MSC Communications Advisor Rebekah Wilson. The header photo is Karamatura - Donald McLean Return track, Matthew Cattin.
[1] DOC (2021). Stay safe on public conservation land during Waitangi weekend. [online] Available at: https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2021/stay-safe-on-public-conservation-land-during-waitangi-weekend/ [2] Stuff (2021). Hooker Valley Track closed due to heavy rain and flooding. [online] Available at: https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/hooker-valley-track-closed-due-to-heavy-rain-and-flooding [3] MSC (2021). New Zealand Land Safety Code. [online] Available at: https://www.mountainsafety.org.nz/land-safety-code/ [4] NZ Herald (2021). Coromandel's Kauaeranga Valley closed due to flooding. [online] Available at: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/coromandels-kauaeranga-valley-closed-due-to-flooding/K6X67433ZV6O6A6ZWB6ZQHF63/
- Given the current environmental-science issues with severe weather in certain regions, it would be prudent to consider postponing outdoor activities like environmental-science field trips or sports events that require the use of public conservation land and regional parks.
- Despite the allure of sports or participating in outdoor activities during the long weekend, prioritizing safety and adhering to environmental-science advisories about the weather conditions is crucial for everyone's well-being and for enabling much-needed repairs to be carried out on affected conservation land.
