Heaphy Track to reopen after damaging storm

A small stand of trees, left, is all that remains of this forestry block at Butlers Block, between Rimu and Ross, after it was flattened by the gale force winds. Photo / P F Olsen Ltd

Bikers are expected to be queuing up to ride the Heaphy Track when it reopens tomorrow.

The Department of Conservation has repaired damage to allow mountain bikers access to the track eight days earlier than expected.

Extra staff was brought in over two weeks to clear debris including trees downed by the April 17 storm.

Alan Eskrick of Nelson Mountainbike Club said bikers had been desperate for somewhere to ride.

"We've been understanding of the situation and switching places to ride since the storms.''

"Windfall is extremely dangerous. You have trees under tension. You need highly experienced people to cut windfallen trees. It's an art.''

"I think they've thrown all the resources they could muster to get it open.''

Eskrick estimated 5000 riders would use the Heaphy Track over the May 1-September 30 season, after which the track is restricted to trampers.