The entire Queen Charlotte Track was temporarily closed after severe weather on 17–18 July caused extensive damage.
The end sections of the track from Anakiwa to Te Mahia Saddle and Meretoto/Ship Cove and Endeavour Inlet opened last weekend (25 September). Now the full track is reopening after the Department of Conservation (DOC) repaired storm damage.
There are some restrictions in place due to the ongoing effects of the storm damage in the area.
The Queen Charlotte Sound side of the track is open including DOC campsites at Schoolhouse Bay, Camp Bay, Bay of Many Coves, Black Rock and Umungata/Davies Bay and private accommodation.
There is no access to the track from the Kenepuru Sound side with the Kenepuru Road and side roads to the track closed. All DOC campsites on the Kenepuru side are closed including Cowshed Bay.
DOC Sounds Senior Ranger Margot Ferrier says DOC is pleased to welcome walkers and mountain bikers back on the entire length of the Queen Charlotte Track.
"People need to take care on the track with repair work still ongoing in places. Parts of the track are muddy so sturdy footwear is needed and people should be careful not to slip.
"There are slips between Camp Bay and Torea Saddle. These can be crossed with caution and cyclists will need to carry their bikes across them.
"The bridge at Umungata/Davies Bay was washed out in the storm and hasn't yet been rebuilt so people will need to walk on the beach to cross the stream and can expect to get wet feet.
"People could encounter machinery operating and work materials on the side of the track that should be avoided. We ask that where DOC staff are working, people follow their instructions."
DOC staff and contractors had worked to repair damage to the track as quickly as possible but there were delays due to wet and windy spring weather and the COVID-19 lockdown. Some repair work was able to be restarted under Alert Level 3 with more work restarting under Alert Level 2.
