Heaphy Track recovery on agenda

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

The middle section of the Heaphy Track, which traverses both board areas and is one of the ‘great walks’ of New Zealand, remains closed following the February storm.

Eight months after the storm took out or severely damaged three bridges, the DOC website says people cannot currently use the track as a through walk. It is closed between the Heaphy Hut and James Mackay Hut.

“This section of the track will be closed until these bridges can be replaced or repaired. There is currently no bridge over the Heaphy River,” DOC advises.

In an update a few days ago DOC also warned that the track between Scott’s Beach and Heaphy Hut has been damaged from recent storms.

“There are multiple slips, narrow sections of track and slumps on the track. Work is under way to repair the damage.”

* Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air