Destruction wrought by Cyclone Gabrielle has resulted in closure of the Lake Waikaremoana Track Great Walk until the end of September.

Te Uru Taumatua, local iwi Tūhoe’s operations arm that manages Te Urewera, said tracks, bridges, huts, campsites and car parks had been significantly damaged by ​​Cyclone Gabrielle and the safety of trampers could be compromised.

Some sections of the Great Walk were impassable. Korokoro Campsite was flooded with 700mm of water, causing sewage contamination. At Maraunui Hut the lake level rose over 800mm, causing vegetation to rot and exposing lake edges to complete erosion. Damage to Waiopaoa Bridge will require engineering advice, and flooding at Te Karetu car park and boat ramp moved pontoons off piles. 

Elsewhere in Te Urewera, transitional shelters are set to replace some of the eight huts that were razed by fire in late 2022. The locations for these shelters are Waikare Junction and Nahiramai, while a Waimana location is being negotiated.

The portacom-design buildings can sleep six with kitchen facilities outside on covered decking.