Kirwans Track severe damage
Severe storm damage has made sections of the track unsafe. Montgomerie Hut and Kirwans Hut can still be reached via the Waitahu-Murray Connecting Track, starting from the Murray Creek car park. Experienced visitors can also access the huts via the unmarked route from Gannons Road following the Waitahu River. Kirwans Hut can also be reached from Capleston (Boatman's Road). However, the Kirwans Tunnel Bridge and adjacent track are closed due to active rockfall. Highly experienced visitors with off-track navigation skills may be able to bypass the closed bridge and track via an unmarked route from this direction. This option is not recommended for those without advanced navigation and hazard awareness skills. Only the track and tunnel bridge are closed – the surrounding public conservation land remains open.
Detail
Severe storm damage has made sections of the track unsafe. Montgomerie Hut and Kirwans Hut can still be reached via the Waitahu-Murray Connecting Track, starting from the Murray Creek car park.
Experienced visitors can also access the huts via the unmarked route from Gannons Road following the Waitahu River. Kirwans Hut can also be reached from Capleston (Boatman's Road). However, the Kirwans Tunnel Bridge and adjacent track are closed due to active rockfall.
Highly experienced visitors with off-track navigation skills may be able to bypass the closed bridge and track via an unmarked route from this direction. This option is not recommended for those without advanced navigation and hazard awareness skills. Only the track and tunnel bridge are closed – the surrounding public conservation land remains open.
Affected hut
Kirwans Hut
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