The continual dry and often windy weather at this stage of summer means we are keeping a close eye on the state of our forests and the trails or facilities within them.
Currently, the fire risk at Moturoa/Rabbit Island, Tunnicliff and Kingsland Forests are on the rise and without some beneficial rain in the days ahead, this risk will increase further.
Ensuring the safety of everyone who uses them is incredibly important to us and our forestry partners at PF Olsen.
Therefore, we are putting some measures in place to maintain the well-being of people and plants.
As of Wednesday 21 February , we’re closing the following internal forest tracks around Moturoa/ Rabbit Island to the public.
- Bird Road
- Tawa Road
- Cooper Road
On the map provided, this is the pink lines.
Barnicoat Road is also included in the closures, however this is normally closed to the public anyway.
Public recreation areas including Rough Island, the Great Taste Trail, Conifer Park, Mapua Road, Faulkners Track and the beach remain open.
However, broader closures are possible if there is no change to the dry conditions over the next week.
At this stage Tunnicliff and Kingsland remain open but will also be subject to closures if we receive no rainfall over the same period. It is likely that all three forest closures will occur simultaneously.
A review of the situation is due on Monday 26 February.
For now, please stay on marked trails, observe all directions and safety signs and if you see any signs of fire, call 111.