Walk Talk

Erosion has forced the closure of a second track in DOC’s Maniapoto district, with a landslip on the Arataki Track. Graham Kimber, DOC’s Maniapoto Operations Manager, says work is underway to determine repair options for the track, on the eastern side of the Pureora Forest in the central North Island. The closed section is from the YMCA Camp Park Lee – within Pureora Forest – to the end of Arataki Road. The landslip is approximately 15 metres wide with a drop of up to 3 metres. It is on the eastern side of the Arataki Suspension Bridge and is on the section of track running along the Arataki Stream. “We’ve had staff visit the site and carry out some initial inspections, but we need to do more technical work to establish what sort of repair is feasible and safe,” Graham Kimber says. “This will take time, and in the interest of visitor safety, we’ve closed this track.” DOC still needs to undertake geo-technical assessment and planning for any repair, either short-term or long-term. The remote track is popular with bikepackers and DOC is prioritising the repair planning and work. Signs have been placed on the track to advise of the closure. Anyone planning recreation in the area is urged to check relevant websites for up-to-date information. The Arataki Track is part of the Centre of North Island Heartland Ride and is used by people accessing the popular Pureora Timber Trail. The Timber Trail itself is not affected by the closure but ride planning will be required as the Arataki Track provides access to the Timber Trail. DOC is dealing with a high number of spring weather-related slips, washouts and subsidence on New Zealand’s tracks. With climate change, we are seeing conditions exacerbated by more frequent and extreme weather events.

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4 Walking New Zealand, issue no 299- 2023

Last month New Zealand’s most ambitious walking and cycling route marked its first milestone with the start of construction on the Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-one section of Te Ara Tupua, a new pathway connecting Wellington and Lower Hutt. Preliminary works at Honiana Te Puni Reserve, and between Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-one signal the start of the new 4.5km walk and cycle path. This path will make walking and cycling a more attractive option for communities and provide new public access to the coast of Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

Mokai access to Ruahine Range now open Federated Mountain Clubs is excited to announce that the previously obstructed public access through Mokai Station to the Ruahine Forest Park has been reinstated and is available for the public to use as of the 24th of December, 2022. Access across Mokai easement and the connecting Unformed Legal Road has been impeded by the adjoining landowner for over half a decade now. It provides important access to the Western Ruahine for recreationists, hunters, and people doing conservation work. The area contains beautiful, challenging, and rugged terrain, with opportunities for advanced tramping, good hunting, and a number of huts, including Colenso Hut and Otukota Hut, recently renovated by volunteer groups funded by the Backcountry Trust. Please be mindful of the hard work that has gone into this campaign and be respectful of the private land that the route crosses. Stick to the marked route, follow all the rules on signage that is provided, leave all gates as you found them, take your rubbish with you, and give a friendly wave to any of the farm workers you see. Above: Tramping Colenso Hut to Ironbark Hut. Photo Megan Dimozantos

Pukekohe residents and visitors can explore the township and its green spaces more easily thanks to Judy Donovan’s work. Her contributions have earned her an Outdoor Access Champion award, that was presented to her late last year. “It’s a privilege, and a great acknowledgement of our work,” says Judy, who was the key driver and facilitator of the Pukekohe Five Summits Trail project. She’s a core member of Pukekohe Tramping Club, which established the project in 2019 to celebrate its 50-year anniversary. The walking and cycling trail connects the township’s five volcanic knolls and the natural and urban environments between them using existing roads and public trails through parks and esplanade reserve. “We have a lot of wonderful reserves, and good outdoor facilities or reserve areas quite close to the township that people didn’t know about,” says Judy. She worked with the Walking Access Commission , the Franklin Local Board, Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, Franklin Historical Society, Rotary Club of Pukekohe and dedicated club members from the tramping club to develop the trail. A free route map with historical information was developed and can be found at visitor centres, libraries and several retail outlets. “The spin off from the trail has been great,” says Judy. “Auckland Council is more aware of the opportunities of linking those reserves and creating access for locals. “These reserves and trails are becoming more and more important. With the intensification of building, the sections are getting smaller and there’s very little opportunity for families to be active on their own land.”

In the December issue of Walking magazine in the article “Wandering on Rotoroa Island like being on another world” a reader has pointed out two caption errors. The photo of a bird on page 7 described as a tui perched on a branch is actually a saddleback while on page 9 the photo of a bird described as a saddeback is a tui. Dan Radford has been appointed as Te Araroa’s first trail manager, Dan has hit the ground running to ensure the trails are in the best possible condition for this summer’s walkers. Originally from Georgia, USA, Dan through-walked Te Araroa in 2015. He even met his wife on the trail. Now based in Twizel, Dan will work with DOC and Te Araroa’s regional trusts on the mammoth task of trail improvements. Future of Te Āpiti - Manawatū Gorge old road

With summer here and a break from work on the horizon for many, getting out walking and cycling will be on the mind. In Manawatū-Whanganui we’re lucky to have Te Āpiti - Manawatū Gorge at the doorstep, where you can walk or cycle through unique landscape with ancient bush and native birds and plants. NZ Transport Agency is aware of how eager people are to use the old road through Te Āpiti Manawatū Gorge, however it’s still not safe to do so. In May last year NZTA announced the draft results of the new geotechnical assessment of the old road through the Gorge. Work is now progressing investigating the future of the old road. A business case is being developed to consider revocation options for the stretches at each end of the old road still safe for vehicles. For the rest of the route, with community partners and key stakeholders, NZTA will come up with recommendations for Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand to consider.

Above: Landslide damage to eastbound shoulder near Kerry’s Wall (view eastbound, toward Woodville) in May 2021.