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A key access road to Kahurangi National Park is expected to reopen by spring, with reconstruction work now underway following storm damage last year.
Department of Conservation says Graham Valley Road, which provides access to the Flora Carpark, was heavily damaged by multiple slips during storms in June and July, including one that dropped part of the road eight metres into the river below.
Spring reopening targeted
DOC acting Motueka operations manager Helen Otley says work is progressing on site.
“It’s great to see this work underway with equipment on the ground and materials being delivered. If the weather plays ball and the repair work goes to plan, the road will be open by the end of August.”
Helen says the road remains closed during reconstruction and visitors are asked to stay clear while work continues.
Complex rebuild required
DOC says the repair work is technically challenging due to steep terrain, geological conditions and the area’s history of slips.
Helen says planning has involved detailed geotechnical assessments, 3D engineering designs and specialist civil engineering input, including sourcing large boulders to rebuild the road’s foundations.
The road is co-managed with Tasman District Council.
Tracks upgraded during closure
While access has been restricted, DOC has completed six weeks of maintenance and upgrades on tracks across the Mt Arthur Tablelands.
“While the road was closed and the tracks were quieter than usual, we took the opportunity to carry out some maintenance and improve the surface of some of the popular tracks up in the alpine area,” Helen says.
Access to popular routes
Flora Carpark is a key entry point to several well-known tramping routes, including the Tableland Circuit, Mount Arthur Summit Route, Flora Circuit and Ellis Basin Route.
DOC says these tracks cater to a range of experience levels, from family-friendly walks to more advanced alpine trips, and visitors should plan accordingly when the road reopens.
