Visitors to the Bay of Plenty are asked to check access to their favourite tracks and campsites before heading out this weekend, following extensive storm damage and a continued State of Emergency in the region.
Favourite naturing destination Karangahake Gorge remains closed, with Department of Conservation (DOC) staff still working to assess the scale of damage.
DOC Tauranga Operations Manager John Sutton says much of Bay of Plenty is still in response mode, and people are just starting to assess the damage.
"I urge people to check your destinations and choose safe options this weekend; I think our emergency services have enough on their plates."
Significant amounts of water have gone through some popular locations, and DOC staff need time to make sure it's safe for people to return.
"Karangahake Gorge has been particularly hard hit, you might have seen videos of water rushing through the tunnel of the Windows Walk. It'll take some time to get the tracks and facilities to a condition where people can safely visit," says John Sutton.
"Dickey Flat Campsite at the southern end of Karangahake Gorge is closed until further notice, and this isn't a booked site, so we're really asking people to use common sense and check access and conditions before they head out."
Matatā Campsite, closer to Whakatāne, is closed until 27 January, and booked visitors have been informed.
Although other DOC tracks across Bay of Plenty may not be formally closed, be alert to the possibility of landslides, washouts, or downed trees. Damage should be reported to DOC via 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
"Stay safe this weekend, and we look forward to welcoming you back into these spaces when we can," says John Sutton.
Visit www.doc.govt.nz to see alerts on tracks, huts, and campsites.
