The largest DOC hut in the country – Pinnacles Hut in Coromandel – will be closed until at least December 20, after heavy rain washed out the main access road and tracks.

The 80-bunk hut has been closed since storms hit the region in March. DOC senior ranger Bill Horgan said significant work was required to remove slips and resurface parts of Kauaeranga Valley Road.

Alternative routes to the hut were also damaged. There was a major slip on Billy Goat Track, which would be repaired this month, but the hut would remain closed until Kauaeranga Valley Road reopened. A bridge on the Rangihau Track was also washed out and wouldn’t be repaired until next year.

DOC has used the opportunity to make repairs to the hut.