[Grant Newton]

Note from DoC
=======================================

Important notice to visitors

Rimutaka Forest Park
Catchpool and Orongorongo Valleys
Flood Damage Update

Significant flood damage of 30th and 31st March 2005 occurred in the Catchpool and Orongorongo Valleys, affecting visitor facilities and access.

?Road access in the main Catchpool Valley has now been restored, and toilets are again operating.
?The campground is now open again for use.
?Most tracks are open from the top carpark via a marked but unbridged river crossing.
?Due to track damage and the loss of bridges, this access is only suitable to fit and able trampers and will become impassable in times of heavy rain, so caution must be exercised.

?A route has been marked through to the Orongorongo Valley, which involves stream crossings,
?Four of the five DOC booked huts are now again open for use.
?The course of the Orongorongo River has changed, and locations for crossing need to be carefully chosen.
?A gravel dam has been created in the upper reaches of the Orongorongo Valley, around which the river continues to flow. This is not considered a significant risk and this blockage is expected to clear in future heavy rains.

For your safety, every effort has been made to ensure this information is correct. However, you should always seek more information before you begin your trip and be prepared to change your trip according to conditions.

For an update or further information contact: Wellington Conservancy Information Centre phone: (04) 472 7356 Fax: (04) 471 2075, or Poneke Area Office phone: (04) 472 5821 Fax: (04) 499 0077

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