Work on a Taradale stopbank has left some locals high and dry for summer, with swimmers unable to access parts of the Tūtaekurī River.
But Hawke's Bay Regional Council says late spring and summer are the best and safest times to carry out work on stopbanks.
The river path between Redclyffe Bridge and Guppy Rd is closed, with a detour in place, until April 2022.
Some locals have taken to community social media pages in recent days to say the detour is poorly timed over the summer season, when most people want to use the river for swimming or trail for walks.
Taradale resident Rhonda Claypole said she is saddened by the timing of the detour after walking along the trail for years and thinks the work on the stopbank is unnecessary.