A clean-up operation is underway at the top of the South Island following heavy rain in August that damaged several DOC tracks.

Parts of the Abel Tasman Coast Track and Queen Charlotte Track were closed due to slips and other storm damage, while road access to Queen Charlotte Track was cut off.

The Outward Bound school at Anakiwa was also landlocked by road closures, with students being brought in and out by boat.

“We’re not sure when the roads will open, but we’re well set up with our launches to cope with that,” school director Hamish Reid said in late August.

Heavy rain in July last year cut road access to the school for a few days, but Reid said the recent road closures could stretch into weeks.

DOC advised people to check its website for the latest information on tracks, campsites and access to conservation areas in the top of the South Island before heading out.

Further south, the rain impacted the Paparoa Track access road from Blackball, although the track itself was not damaged.

The road was closed to vehicles but could still be used by those on bike or foot for 6.5km to the start of the track.