Taranaki Maunga’s Around the Mountain Circuit has been closed until further notice due to severe storm damage and constant erosion.
Sections of track have been wiped out in recent weeks.
Department of Conservation (DoC) staff made the call to close the Stony River/ Hangatahua Route along the Around the Mountain Circuit last week after assessing storm damage to the area. The closure of the route means trampers cannot complete the full circuit.
DoC’s Taranaki operations manager Gareth Hopkins says the route has become unsafe for trampers due to erosion and the ongoing risk of rockfall.
“Access from the Bells Falls junction, near Holly Hut, through to Kahui Hut is closed. This will impact trampers attempting the Around the Mountain Circuit.”