Updated November 2024
Watercare is phasing out forestry activities in the Hūnua Ranges Regional Park with the final portion of pine trees set to be harvested from Jan/Feb 2025 for a period of approx five years.
Harvesting is concentrated in the Keeney Road area. Logging trucks will be entering and leaving the Hūnua Ranges Regional Park via Ness Valley and Moumoukai Hill Road, on weekdays. Once harvesting is complete, the land will be regenerated with native trees and shrubs.
The harvesting works that are currently occurring on Orum Road (accessed via Otau Mountain Road) are anticipated to conclude in approx February 2025.
How will this impact Hūnua Traverse riders?
- From October, preparations will begin with cartage of metal for internal roads. Riders, please be vigilant of increased truck movements between Ness Valley and Keeney Road (Moumoukai Hill Road and Plows Road).
- From early 2025 (date to be advised) the northern section of the Hūnua Traverse (Plows Road to the top of Waterline Road, including Keeney Road) will be CLOSED on weekdays but will open on weekends and public holidays.
- The southern section of the Hunua Traverse, including Waterline Road, will remain open seven days a week.
We will be working with Watercare over the coming weeks to update our maps and information signage. We’ll share these with you directly once an official start date is confirmed.
