The Department of Conservation has closed a number of tracks, huts and campsites at the top of the South Island because of increasing fire risk.
DOC Northern South Island Regional Operations Director Roy Grose says the priority is keeping visitors safe.
DOC is working closely with Fire and Emergency NZ and local tour operators to ensure people entering conservation areas understand the risks and know what to do if fire occurs, Mr Grose said.
The department has closed some areas based on a range of risk factors, including terrain and vegetation types, and DOC’s ability to evacuate and communicate with visitors, he said.
In the Abel Tasman National Park, the Coastal Track remains open but there are closures to interior tracks and some campgrounds are closed due to extremely dry conditions. All hunting permits have been cancelled.
The road through Molesworth is closed. Members of the public can still access Molesworth by joining a guided tour as concessionaires carry special firefighting equipment.
It's expected that a diversion will be put in place on the ridgeline of the Queen Charlotte Track between Kenepuru and Torea Saddles next week. The campsite at Moawhitu on D’Urville Island has already been closed and other remote campsites in the Sounds may also close next week, DOC says.
In the Nelson Lakes, Teetotal has been closed to vehicle access and West Bay campground may be closed early next week.
"Everyone visiting tracks and campgrounds needs to be taking every precaution to guard against the fire risk that includes a total ban on lighting fires and no smoking," Mr Grose said.
Gas cookers should only be used in cooking shelters or on flat bare earth or rock surfaces, he said.
If people see smoke anywhere, they should call 111.
Other key closures include:
Temporary track closures
Gibbs Hill Track
Falls River Track
Abel Tasman Inland Track
Temporary campsite closures
Tinline Great Walk Campsite
Anapai Great Walk Campsite
Mutton Cove Great Walk Campsite
Taupō Point and access track
Moa Park
Temporary hut/shelter closures
Castle Rock Hut
Awapoto Hut
Wainui Hut including access through Wainui Saddle and Birds Clearing
Holyoakes Shelter
Information is being regularly updated on the DOC website .
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