Before you go / Alerts and trail status

Alerts and trail status

We update information on Te Araroa route each September. This page lists all current amendments to the published trail route.

We recommend checking this page regularly before and during your journey as the route may have changed since planning your journey.

These alerts are set out in order from north to south

Effective

Immediately

Until

1 June 2021

Details

Due to a change in farm operations we need to communcate a bypass through the Pukatotara Landcorp Farm. Please see below for the details and map 

Alternative

When you get to marker 215 on Mangakaretu Road you need to continue down that road until you come to Puketotara Road, turn left here and walk until you come to State Highway 10 and turn left and walk until you get to marker and you re join the trail from here. The total detour is 7.7km from point 215 until point 222.  See below for the bypass, in yellow.

Effective

Immediately

Until

30 July 2020

Details

We have been advised that PFOlsen will begin logging options in the forest near Kerikeri.  A map is below - the logging will take place to the following KM markers - 228 -231

The trail will remain open, but walkers going through that area will need to adhere to the following 
 
A) Walkers can expect traffic control when trees are being felled within 2 tree lengths of Roads. This means some delays would be expected if walkers are in place at the same time as logging activities.
 
B) There will be a safety issue with traffic in shared road activities (Walkers/logging operations), these ones won’t be with traffic control, both parties must keep an eye on other activities.
 

Alternative

Effective

Immediately

Until

Further Notice

Details

Due to land closure we now have a major re route between Whananaki South and Ngunguru. 

  • When you come to Sandy Bay head west up Matapouri Road for 4km - (Please be careful and wear HI VIS)
  • Turn left and head south along Kaiatea Rd, turn left onto Te Toiroa Rd
  • Stay to the right past BOTH intersections with Kiwi Bush Lane (it’s a loop road)
  • About 100m past the second Kiwi Bush Lane intersection, turn left onto the signposted Ngunguru Old Coach Trail
  • After about 2km, emerge onto Pukenui Rd, follow that to Waiotoi Rd and then to Ngunguru

Alternative

Effective

1 August

Until

30 September (Every year)

Details

SEASONAL CLOSURE

The connection from Cove Rd to the Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway is closed every year from 1 August to 30 September for lambing.

Alternative

There is no through-route available here between 1 August and 30 September.

Safely walk along Cove Rd to Mangahwai Heads.

The Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway remains accessible along the beach (as a loop) from Mangawhai Heads. 

Please do not attempt to walk this route when it is closed.

Effective

1 August

Until

31 October (every year)

Details

SEASONAL CLOSURE

The Karamu Walkway closes every year from 1 August to 31 October 2018

Alternative

Safely navigate by road to the start of the Mt Pirongia Track.

Please do not attempt to walk this route when closed. 

Effective

1 August

Until

10 November (Every year)

Details

SEASONAL CLOSURE

The Mahoe Track (Mahoe Rd to Nga Tapuwae Rd, north of Waitomo) is closed 1 August to 10 November every year for lambing.

Alternative

Walk safely on Mahoe Rd, Hauturu Rd and Te Anga Rd to Waitomo. 

Please do not attempt to walk this track when it is closed.

Effective

1 August

Until

1 October (Every year)

Details

SEASONAL CLOSURE

The Pehitawa Track (Waitomo to Te Kuiti) is closed every year from 1 August to 1 October for lambing/calving. 

Alternative

Navigate safely around road alternative.

Please do not attempt to walk this route when closed.

Effective

1 August

Until

31 October (Every year)

Details

SEASONAL CLOSURE

The Mangaokewa River Track is closed every year from 1 August to 31 October for lambing. 

Alternative

Navigate safely around a road alternative - or skip directly ahead to the Timber Trail (Pureora Forest). 

Please do not attempt to walk this route when it is closed.

Effective

20 October 2020

Until

1 June 2021

Details

Walkers are advised that they will need to prepare (carry enough food) to walk between Levin to Waikanae (or vice versa) The road out to resupply has been closed as per below. 

Update from the Kapiti Coast District Council

Cracks in the Ōtaki Gorge Road at Blue Bluff (12km inland from SH1) have required the road to be closed at this site.

Slips are likely which means the road is unsafe for both vehicles and people to cross. 

Geotechnical experts have assessed the road and will continue to monitor and investigate further. Their advice is that the section of the road is unsafe for use. There is currently no timeframe for its reopening.

It is not possible to accurately predict when the road will slip again, but ongoing monitoring will track movement of the ground.

We are looking at a considerable amount of material that is unstable. The specialists also advise that undertaking any remedial or construction work around the slip poses a significant safety risk and should not be undertaken.

Alternative

If you are Thru walking please prepare to carry enough supplies and food for the walk between Levin to Wakanae - or vice versa

Effective

Immediately

Until

1 August 2021

Details

Foresty work is underway near the Coleridge Village in Canterbury.  Because of the work we need to bypass the forest - please see below for the BLUE line and the new route.  please be aware of logging trucks in the area and respect the use of the farm track - this is a working farm. 

Alternative

Effective

25 September

Until

5 November (Every year)

Details

SEASONAL CLOSURE

Mt Linton Station (south of Takitimu Mountains) is closed every year from 25 September to 5 November for lambing.

Alternative

There is no easy walking alternative so we recommend not attempting this section until it is open from 5 November.

Please do not attempt to walk this route when closed. 

Effective

9 September

Until

9 November (Every year)

Details

SEASONAL CLOSURE

The route from Birchwood (south of Mt Linton Station) to Merrivale (north of Longwood Range) is closed every year from 9 September to 9 November for lambing. 

Alternative

There is no easy alternative so we recommend not attempting to walk this route until it opens on 9 November.

Please do not attempt to walk this route when it is closed. 

Effective

Immediately

Until

1 December 2020

Details

Whether you are starting at Bluff or finishing there is a track closure that you need to be aware of, it is due to issues on a private farm with stock (Bulls) for your own safety the track has been closed in conjuction with the Department of Conservation. W

Alternative

You have two options - Option 1 - leave Stirling Point as normal and turn right onto the Millennium Track that goes up over the Bluff Hill, or 2 - you can walk around the roads of bluff.