taken from http://www.4wdnewz.com website
One of the North Island's popular 4wd destinations, the Maratoto trail, is opening early February after being closed in April last year following major land slips caused by heavy rain.
"Conditions allowing, the intention is to have the main gate open to 4wd traffic from Feb 4," a spokesman said. Those wanting to use the track should call 0-9-524 2132 for a message about the current status.
A digger was recently able to cut a new trail and some
earlier damage caused by vehicles and water has been repaired.
Another job on the day will be to install a steel gate on the first
entry to the Loop trail. Post holes will be drilled and concrete mixed.
On Department of Conservation land near Hikutaia, the track is open to all 4wds, but is not a place for the inexperienced or vehicles without low-range gearing and good ground clearance. It can be extremely difficult in the wet.
A gate is also being installed at the Loop track, which runs off the main trail, to deter casual day-trippers from entering. The Loop is for exp;erienced drivers in well equipped vehilcles. Over recent years the
olice have been involved several times when families have got into
trouble there. Access can still be obtained by
suitably equipped groups, by arrangement.
The cost of slip clearance has been borne by DoC but all the other
costs are from user fees and NZ Four Wheel Drive Association contributions. "Those costs already
exceed $1500 this year, so it is important for users to help by putting
a donation of $10 in the yellow box on the corner of Maratoto and Wires
Roads," the spokesman said.
is the Maratoto track open now???
is the Maratoto track open now???
I travelled the road less travelled now where the heck am I!!!
Hi Yes the track is now open,There are a few soft spots up past ABC rock .but the rest of the track is in good cond.There is now a gate at the start of the loop to keep noddys out the code on gate lock is presently set at 5242,for trck info the number to ring is now 0275242132,Please dont forget your $10 donation in the honesty box at the corner of Wires rd...Cheers
