Key Takeaways
- Visitors to the Bay of Plenty are advised to check access to tracks and campsites before heading out due to extensive storm damage and a continued state of emergency in the region.
- Karangahake Gorge remains closed, and the Department of Conservation (DoC) is assessing the scale of damage.
- Dickey Flat campsite at the southern end of Karangahake Gorge is closed until further notice.
- Matatā campsite, closer to Whakatāne, was closed until Tuesday, and booked visitors have been informed.
- Visitors are urged to be alert to the possibility of landslides, washouts, or downed trees on DoC tracks across the Bay of Plenty.
Introduction to the Storm Damage
The Bay of Plenty region is still reeling from the effects of a recent storm, which has caused extensive damage to tracks and campsites. As a result, visitors to the area are being asked to exercise caution and check access to their desired destinations before heading out. The Department of Conservation (DoC) is working to assess the scale of the damage, but much of the region remains in a state of emergency. According to DoC Tauranga operations manager John Sutton, the region is still in response mode, and emergency services are already stretched to the limit.
Assessing the Damage
The storm has had a significant impact on popular locations in the Bay of Plenty, with large amounts of water flowing through areas such as Karangahake Gorge. DoC staff are working to ensure that tracks and facilities are safe for visitors to return, but this is a time-consuming process. Sutton emphasized that Karangahake Gorge has been particularly hard hit, with videos showing water rushing through the tunnel of the Windows Walk. As a result, it will take some time to get the tracks and facilities to a condition where people can safely visit. The Dickey Flat campsite at the southern end of Karangahake Gorge is closed until further notice, and visitors are being asked to use common sense and check access and conditions before heading out.
Campsites and Track Closures
In addition to the damage at Karangahake Gorge, other campsites in the Bay of Plenty have also been affected. The Matatā campsite, which is closer to Whakatāne, was closed until Tuesday, and booked visitors have been informed. While other DoC tracks across the Bay of Plenty may remain formally open, Sutton is urging visitors to be alert to the possibility of landslides, washouts, or downed trees. Visitors are advised to report any damage to the DoC on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). This will help the DoC to assess the situation and take necessary actions to ensure visitor safety.
Visitor Safety
The DoC is prioritizing visitor safety in the aftermath of the storm. Sutton is urging visitors to stay safe this weekend and to choose safe options when planning their activities. The DoC website has alerts about tracks, huts, and campsites, and visitors are advised to check these before heading out. By taking these precautions, visitors can help to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable experience in the Bay of Plenty. The DoC is looking forward to welcoming visitors back into these spaces when it is safe to do so, and is working hard to restore tracks and facilities to a safe condition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bay of Plenty region is still recovering from the effects of a recent storm, and visitors are advised to exercise caution when planning their activities. The DoC is working to assess the damage and ensure that tracks and facilities are safe for visitors to return. By checking access and conditions before heading out, and being alert to the possibility of landslides, washouts, or downed trees, visitors can help to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The DoC is prioritizing visitor safety and is looking forward to welcoming visitors back into these spaces when it is safe to do so.
