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Te Araroa Trust Chief Executive update 6 - What to expect under COVID-19 alert Level 3
According to the official COVID-19 website, day walks within a person’s local region will be permitted, along with swimming, surfing and shore-based fishing. Multi-day and section or through walks will remain off limits under Level 3, as will hunting.
For Te Araroa walkers, this means it will be possible to enjoy some portions of the trail that are not walkable under the Level 4 restrictions currently in place.
Driving a short distance to walk on a local track that is part of Te Araroa will be permitted under Level 3, so long as people travel in their own vehicles, keep to their ‘bubbles’ and maintain physical distancing of 2m from other walkers at all times.
The Department of Conservation is yet to announce whether huts and campsites will re-open but our expectation is that they are likely to remain closed under Level 3 restrictions due to the prohibition on overnight or multi-day tramping at this time.
We will continue to seek information from DOC regarding whether huts, campsites and other assets on public conservation land will be available for use when COVID-19 alert level reaches Level 2 and we will let you know as soon as possible.
Restrictions on international travel into and out of New Zealand will remain in place under alert Level 3, so walking on Te Araroa by overseas travellers who have not sheltered in place over the past four weeks will unfortunately not be possible at this time. Overseas walkers who have sheltered in place during the lockdown will be able to enjoy local day walks on the trail but should not continue their Te Araroa thru-walk until multi-day tramping is permitted.
Please be aware that the information released by the Government about recreation that will be permitted under Level 3 is for planning purposes only. New Zealand remains under COVID-19 alert Level 4 at this time to maximise its chances of eliminating the virus.
The Government has stated that it will make a decision on whether to relax its Level 4 restrictions on Monday 20 April.
Be kind, stay safe
Mark Weatherall
Chief Executive
