Taranaki Maunga’s ‘Around the Mountain’ circuit has been closed by DOC due to severe storm damage and constant erosion. Sections of track have been completely wiped out.

DOC closed the Stony River Track in late April. The route’s closure means the full circuit cannot be completed.

“The route has become unsafe for trampers due to erosion and the ongoing risk of rock fall,” said DOC’s Taranaki operations manager Gareth Hopkins. “Access from the Bells Falls junction (near Holly Hut) through to Kahui Hut is closed.”

Although the closure will disappoint visitors to Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, Hopkins emphasised that the risk of serious injury to trampers was significant. “Currently it is not possible to reroute or repair the track.”

The closure would be reviewed towards the end of this year after further assessment to determine if a repair was feasible.  The western and southern side of Taranaki Maunga is particularly prone to severe erosion, flooding and lahars. DOC said this had worsened in recent years.