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Te Araroa update: COVID-19 Alert Levels downgraded
New Zealand’s COVID-19 Alert Levels have been downgraded, enabling Te Araroa walkers to once again pass through the Auckland region on foot, with some conditions.
The Auckland region moved to Alert Level 2 on Sunday 7 March and the rest of New Zealand has returned to Alert Level 1. A decision is expected during this week on whether Auckland will join the rest of the country at Alert Level 1 from next weekend onwards.
At Alert 2, Department of Conservation huts, campsites, lodges and toilets in the Auckland region are open. Walkers should maintain physical distance wherever possible – including in huts – and should regularly wash or sanitise hands.
Cleaning supplies should be carried and particular care should be taken to ensure the hygiene of any huts or communal cooking and eating facilities in campgrounds. Walkers should also carry a tent with them, for use if a hut is too crowded to allow for physical distancing to take place.
The rest of New Zealand is at Alert Level 1 and Department of Conservation facilities are open without restrictions.
Walkers should continue to practise good hand hygiene and, as always, should stay home if unwell. The NZ COVID Tracer App should also be used to scan QR codes where available and Bluetooth should be switched on to make contact tracing easier if it is required in future.
Stay safe,
Mark Weatherall
Executive Director, Te Araroa Trust
