News & Alerts

Recreational walkers please note that Crystal Falls Track near the Waipori Falls Village is currently closed due to recent track damage and hazards caused by weathering. Please do not use this track, but check back here for updates to this advice.

Careys Creek Track is partially closed due to adjacent harvesting operations. The section of track from the Double Hill Road track entrance to the intersection with the Honeycomb Track is closed.

The section of track between Evansdale Glen and Honeycomb Track and the Honeycomb Track and Rongomai Track loop is open.

Recreational forest users, please obey all warning signs you see in the forests. In particular, keep yourself and others safe by staying well away from Operational areas such as active harvesting areas, even during weekends and after normal business hours when it may appear that there is no activity taking place.

Forest visitors please be aware that City Forests and Manawa Energy have installed a locked gate at the entrance to the road to the Mahinerangi Dam.  Unfortunately a large increase in instances of unauthorised camping, fire-lighting and vandalism of both City Forests' and Manawa's assets in this isolated area has led to our joint decision to restrict access to this road and area, which is all on privately owned land.  The gate will now remain locked and keys will not be issued for non-work related access, with the exception that a limited amount of Angler only access may be available by contacting the Fish & Game Otago office.  Note that walkway and cycling access is still provided for around the gate.  For visitors wanting boating access an upgraded boat ramp and parking facility is available at Starks Bridge near the Mahinerangi Village.

A general reminder to intending forest users that if you wish to organise and hold an event of any sort in any of our forest areas then you will need to first contact us to discuss your ideas, be issued with a permit, and become informed about specific forest hazards, forest operational restrictions, and any environmental issues. Please contact us early to start the process. You can start by applying for an Event permit