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DOC closes access to parks and tracks following Tasman storm

A slip on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track between Mārahau and Anchorage. Photo: Department of Conservation / supplied Slips and storm damage have cut off access to the Kahurangi National Park from the Tasman District, and part of Abel Tasman Coast Track is temporarily closed. Nelson and Tasman remain in a state of emergency after the top of the South Island was battered by record rainfall last week. Department of Conservation (DOC) said storm damage to DOC-managed sites was widespread and it would take time to understand the full extent across conservation areas and facilities. DOC Northern South Island operations director Martin Rodd said the Motueka area seemed to be the hardest hit. "In Kahurangi National Park, there's no access to Flora car park as Graham Valley Road is closed, as a section has been undercut by the river. "This closure is expected to be in place for some time. Flora car park is commonly used to access the region's most popular alpine walks including Wharepapa/Mt Arthur tracks and huts. "The access road into the Cobb Valley has several large slips across it and is impassable, and access to the Wangapeka is closed by the wider flood response. This means all access roads to the southeastern part of the Kahurangi are closed." Abel Tasman Coast Track was being assessed as a priority and one section had been temporarily closed. "Due to cracking on the track, the southern section between Mārahau and Anchorage has been temporarily closed for safety while we have a damage assessment done. This will happen in the coming days. "At the northern end, the access road to Tōtaranui is also closed due to slips. We've had reports of some small slips, treefall and other minor impacts on other parts of the track which we will tidy up when we can. "Heaphy Track remains open but there is some minor damage, and anyone using the track once it has dried out should take extra care." DOC asked people to delay their trips until the tracks had had a chance to dry out. "The situation is changing rapidly and people should check DOC's website for up-to-date information about particular huts and tracks," Rodd said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.