Campers welcomed back to Tūtira Regional Park

Campers have returned to Lake Tūtira after the camping grounds reopened last month. Picture supplied

Tūtira Regional Park reopened in time for Christmas after being closed for 11 months for repairs following Cyclone Gabrielle.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council regional park planner Bart Leslie said the cyclone’s impact and subsequent wet weather had made rebuilding a challenge, but collaboration with partners meant the park would be open for most of the summer season.

“The campground was damaged, and we’ve needed to repair park assets such as toilets and tracks to get it back up and running.

“We’ve worked hard alongside a number of our partners — Maungaharuru Tangitū Trust, Department of Conservation (DoC), Heritage Services HB, Habitat Biodiversity and Pest Management Ltd, and Blue McMillan to repair park assets and re-establish road access into the main entry, repair toilet facilities, reinstate handwashing water, fences, running water, and picnic areas.

“We are pleased to have the campground operating in time for visitors during summer.”

Mr Leslie says most surrounding tracks remain closed due to remaining slips which are scheduled to be remedied next year as budget allows.

Recent wet weather and sodden ground conditions had delayed further track repair work.

“At this stage, the Table Mountain Track is the only track open for walkers.

“Once the ground has dried out following the warmer months, we hope to get stuck into further track repairs in the area. In the meantime, each track will be clearly signposted advising of these closures.”

Short-term camping is available within the park in a flat, fenced and tree-lined paddock area that is suitable for tents, campervans and caravans.

The water available at the campground is for handwashing only and visitors are advised to bring their own supply for drinking and cooking.

Water quality in Lake Tūtira is tested weekly during the swimming season.

Last week, LAWA posted Lake Tūtira as “caution advised” for swimming.

Visitors should look out for bright green algal blooms during warmer temperatures which can have an impact on human health.