Tracks and reserves closures

When a storm has passed, it can be tempting to get straight back out on the tracks.

Straight after severe weather, we may ask people to stay off tracks while we assess damage. Until those checks are done, we may not know what hazards are still present.

The following tracks have been assessed, any tracks not on this list have not yet been checked:

Monday 20 April 2026:

• Wetlands Walk - has been reopened, take care on slippery boardwalks.

Friday 17 April 2026:

• Te Aroha Mountain Track (Whakapipi/Bald Spur) - has now been reopened, please walk with care.
• Lipsey Track - has now been reopened.
• Horseman's Track - has now been reopened.
• Tui-Domain Track - should be more accessible now the waterflow has slowed.

Wednesday 15 April 2026:

• Golf Link Track - very wet and a some trees have fallen near the top, but passable with care.
• Tui Track - passable, but be mindful that some areas have washed out and care is needed when fording the rivers.
• Te Aroha mountain bike tracks - There's been severe damage to some parts of the mountain bike tracks, take care if using them.

Tuesday 14 April 2026:

• Lipsey Track - is temporarily closed.
• Horseman's Track - is temporarily closed.

Monday 13 April 2026:

• Te Aroha Mountain Track (Whakapipi/Bald Spur) - is currently closed due to track instability. We will reassess again in a few days.
• Wetlands Walk -  is currently closed due to flooding.
• Lower and Upper Domain Tracks - have been cleared but there are some sections that are very slippery so take care.
• Tui track (from the Domain to Water Treatment Plant) -  is not easily passable due to rapid and high waterflow at fords. We recommend avoiding this track until water levels drop.

Thursday 9 April 2026:

• Morrinsville River Walk from Studholme Street to Morrinsville Rec Ground was closed following the severe weather event on 21-22 January. Due to substantial tree damage the track remains closed until further notice.

Hauraki Rail Trail

Hauraki Rail Trail is still underwater in places.

• Te Aroha to Matamata - Open with restrictions - Open from Mace Road (Te Aroha West) through to Matamata. Mace Road and Bridge is currently closed due to flooding. Some minor surface flooding in areas between Mace Road and King Road is passable, but we recommend cyclists dismount and walk.
• Paeroa to Te Aroha - Section D is currently closed. Flooding north of Mangaiti has left the trail impassable, as well as under the Te Aroha Bridge - bypass through town is available. Section E is open 

Check out the Trail Status page for updates.

How storms affect trees, tracks and reserves

Storms can change our parks, tracks and reserves very quickly.

Strong winds and heavy rain put extra pressure on trees and the ground around them.

Some damage is obvious. Other hazards are harder to spot and can remain for days or weeks.

Whether a storm is forecast, underway, or has just passed, it’s important to take extra care outdoors.

Before a storm

If bad weather is forecast, think ahead before heading out.

Strong winds can cause branches to fall or whole trees to come down.
Heavy rain can weaken the ground around tree roots and track edges.

Before you head out:

• check our website for any track or reserve closures
• consider delaying your visit until conditions improve
• avoid bush tracks if high winds or heavy rain are expected

During a storm

We recommend staying away from tracks and reserves during severe weather.

Trees are more likely to drop branches or fall over when soils are waterlogged and winds are strong. Streams and rivers can rise quickly, even if it is not raining where you are.

If you are already out and conditions worsen:

• leave the area as soon as it is safe
• avoid sheltering under trees
• stay well back from waterways and steep slopes

After a storm

When a storm has passed, it can be tempting to get straight back out.
Straight after severe weather, we may ask people to stay off tracks while we assess damage.

Until those checks are done, we may not know what hazards are still present.

Even when tracks reopen, conditions can remain changeable.

What to watch out for after storms

Storm damage is not always obvious at first glance.

Common hazards include:

Closed tracks

Some tracks may be closed while we assess tree damage or repair infrastructure.
Always check our website before you go.

Fallen branches and debris

Sticks and branches can create trip hazards.
Standing on one branch can lift another unexpectedly.

Unstable trees

Trees damaged by wind or water may still be standing but can fail later, especially in further wind or rain.

Slips and undercut banks

Heavy rainfall can weaken banks and track edges, making surfaces slippery or unstable.

Streams and river crossings

Waterways can stay dangerous for several days.
Flows may be faster than usual, and rocks can be very slippery.

Damaged structures

Look out for damaged steps, boardwalks or bridges.

Tips to stay safe

• Let someone know where you’re going before heading out.
• Be prepared to turn back if a track looks unsafe.
• Avoid high‑risk areas like steep slopes, fallen trees and waterways.
• Trust your judgement. If in doubt, don’t continue.

Let us know about hazards

If you come across tree damage, slips or other hazards, please let us know.

The best way is through the Antenno app where you can upload photos of the hazard and pinpoint the location.

Stay up to date

Track and reserve conditions can change as repairs are made or new damage is discovered.

You can see all the tracks we maintain, along with walking times and difficulty levels, on our website here.

For Department of Conservation (DOC) tracks, check the DOC website for the latest updates.