Alerts and trail status
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 including the KM marker
Effective
Immediately
Until
1 October 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
31 December 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
12 November 2020
Until
30 June 2022
Details
Following consultation with local iwi in the Russell Forest it has been decided that we will re route Te Araroa around Russell Forest. The key reason to do this is to respect the concerns of local iwi around reducing the potential spread of Kauri Die Back by our walkers. We have developed a new route that will take our walkers to the eastern side of the forest, before connecting back up with the trail at 281km marker. Walkers will continue to have a three of options before getting to the new route. These have been outlined on the attached map, and are as follows
- Catching a ferry to Russell from Paihia between KM markers 249 and 250, and then walk Thru Russell township and up Florence Ave, beside the refuse centre there is a trail that takes you beside and off the main road, over boardwalks and through coastal mangroves, all the way to GAS Russell Garage (5kms) on the corner of Aucks Road and Russell Whakapara Road, turn right and continue down the Russell Whakapara Road for approximately (22km) to The Farm a friendly camping place or continue for another 4.5km (total of 31.5kms) to re-join the trail at KM marker 281, a further 1.5kms south is Sues Place.
- Kayak up the inlet with Bay Beach Hirephone 0800 611440 or 021 1894204. This company is based on the beach at Paihia, and if you're going to kayak up to Waikare, Paihia is a better start point than Opua. It's better to travel in a group or two or three, which will reduce costs. The paddle from Paihia to Waikare takes between 3-4hr depending on weather conditions and fitness levels and should only be done by persons with some experience. Cell phone reception is zero once past Marriott Island, so GPS or good map skills are needed. There is a approximately 18kms of kayaking. Further details at baybeachhire.co.nz When you get to Sheryl’s place (0273093476) you can stay there, or walk up the Waikare road for 6.5kms and turn right onto Russell Wakapara road for approx. 13km to The Farm (total of 19.5kms) ) a friendly camping place or continue for another 4.5km (total of 24kms walking) to re-join the trail at KM marker 281, a further 1.5kms south is Sues Place.
- Walk from Paihia to Opua 6kms then take the vehicle ferry over the Veronica Channel to Okiato. From there, follow Aucks Rd for 4km to its GAS Russell Garage on the corner of Aucks Road and Russell Whakapara Road, turn right and continue down the Russell Whakapara road for approximately (22km) to The Farm a friendly camping place or continue for another 4.5km (total of 36.5kms) to re-join the trail at KM marker 281, a further 1.5kms south is Sues Place.
Alternative
Effective
Monday 27 April 2021
Until
1 October 2021
Details
The Morepork and Onekainga tracks will be closed for Kauri Dieback Mitigation works. These tracks connect Kaiikanui road and Whananaki North Road.
Alternative
Bypass directions: At the South End of Helena Ridge track at km 302.9, turn right into Kaiikanui Road, and travel South 9 km to the junction with Pigs Head rd, turn left 0.5 km to Whananaki North Road. Turn left again and proceed 10.5 km along Whananaki North Rd until you meet the trail at km 315.
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 May 2021
Until
15 September 2021
Details
Jame's place is now closed for the winter - this means that his camp and boat service is closed for the winter, please use the road detour - outlined below
Alternative
Directions for Te Araroa road detour around Ngunguru and Horahora Rivers- Head west out of Ngunguru on the main tar seal road to Whangarei for about 13Km. Turn left onto Ngunguru Ford Rd for 3 km. Turn right onto the Mackerel Track. Turn left once this track brings you out onto Pataua North Rd. This by- passes Ngunguru and Horahora Rivers...happy travels
Effective
1 May 2021
Until
30 September 2021
Details
Instead of going up Cullen Road at km 415.4, South-bound walkers should continue to to the South end of Waipu Cove beach, cross the small stream (just past the cafe) and pick up the Waipu Coastal walkway. This will take Walkers to Cove road and Waterman Dr at the the North end of Langs beach. Then proceed South down the Cove Road footpath to Langs Beach. Toward the Southern end of Langs Beach, join the Cove Road again and carefully proceed along Cove Road to pick up the TA Trail at the start of the Bream Tail to Mangawhai Walkway (Km 429.5).
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
2 November 2020
Until
15 December 2020
Details
Just an update from the Department of Conservation - while the track is being 'closed' during the replacement of some significant boardwalks. It can still be accessed by walkers doing the RTM circuit and the Te Araroa trail. There may be a small delay while the site is made safe and walkers escorted through but not more than 5-10 minutes. Any issues please contact me on mark@teararoa.org.nz
Effective
September 2021
Until
January 2022
Details
Roadworks have begun in preparation for constructing a permanent bypass for the large slip that blocked Gladstone road at km 1539.5. A temporary bypass road has now been provided, including a gravel road, two bridges and a small ford. In severe flood conditions the ford and bypass road could become unusable. In this case NOBO’s would be unable to cross the first stream so just wait it out. If SOBO’s can cross the last stream on the farmland the road will be fine.
Take care when the road works and underway and follow the instructions of the traffic controllers.
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
10 November 2020
Until
20 November 2020
Details
Pine trees have come down over the Pukeatua Track, near where it meets the Mangaone Walkway. Take care until the track can be cleared.
Effective
Tuesday 17 August 2021
Until
Monday 11 October 2021
Details
Due to storms in the Wellington region overnight, the Escarpment Track north of Wellington has been closed until 11 October 2021
Effective
21 July 2021
Until
30 September 2021
Details
21 July. TRAIL CLOSED. Due to storm damage, the Queen Charlotte Track is temporarily closed along its entire length. Trail inspections and repair are underway and the track will be reopened as soon as possible. Visit the DOC website for the latest conditions.
Update 23rd September
- Meretoto / Ship Cove to Head of Endeavour Inlet (Furneaux Lodge, Miners Jetty)
- Te Mahia Saddle / Mistletoe Bay to Anakiwa.
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 October 2020
Until
1 July 2021
Details
Te Araroa trail from Twizel to Lake Ohau and the East Ahuriri Track is now OPEN.
Access to Ohau Village and Lake Middleton Campsite remains Closed.
Please stick to the trail and avoid closed areas. The area surrounding the trail has been burnt and will have associated ash and other debris. Waterways will have been affected by the fire and walkers are advised to carry plenty of water and not to drink from the streams.”
Middle Campsite closed therefore the only camping options in the Ohau area near the trail is at Ohau Lodge which also has other accommodation options
Effective
16 September 2021
Until
1 October 2021
Details
This is a Department of Conservation (DOC) announcement regarding the planned drop of 1080 poison in the Takitimu Forest in September 2021. These operations are carried out in two stages. In the first stage non-toxic pellets are dropped over a forest area. This is to familiarise the target predators with pellets as food source. If weather conditions are suitable a second drop of 1080 poisoned pellets is made five or more days later
Predator control for the Takitimu Conservation Area
We (DOC) plan to aerially apply non-toxic prefeed on 17 September 2021 depending upon the weather. The affected tracks and routes are:
- Te Araroa trail between Lower Princhester and Aparima Huts
- Upper Aparima to Spence Burn Route
- Aparima to Spence Burn Junction Route
- Lower Wairaki to Upper Wairaki Hut Route
- Aparima Hut to Princhester Saddle Track
All tracks and routes are open during both the non-toxic pre-feed and toxic bait application days. For both days warning signage will be in place advising trampers to take temporary shelter when helicopters are directly overhead because of the potential discomfort caused by falling pellets.
After the pre-feed and when the weather is good, the next step is to aerially apply biodegradable 1080 at least five days later.
Telford campsite will be excluded from baiting. All affected huts and campgrounds will be provided with alternative drinking water supplies while toxic bait is applied.
This operation is part of Tiakina Ngā Manu, DOC's successful predator control programme that protects vulnerable wildlife.
First published on 16 September 2021.
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
Monday 5 July 2021
Until
November 2021
Details
Due to logging operations we have a bypass in place - Re-routing for south bounders is via road verge from Hewitt road to Merrivale just as before and of course the reverse for north bounders - see map below
Alternative
