Maungatapu Track closed ????

[Jerry]

Spotted this on another forum....

I have just received a (complimentary) copy of NZToday, issue 33 (Apr/May 2010).

It tells us that the Maungatapu Track is now closed, that permanent looking signs have been erected at both ends. Access approval can apparently be obtained from the Nelson City Council, which "got sick and tired of maintaining the track only to have it cut up by irresponsible 4wd hoons...". I beliveve the Nelson 4wd Club has put some effort into assistance with maintaining this route over past years.

"The crunch came after a fatal 4wd crash and the council decided . . [to] arbitrarily close the track. Can't blame them." If my memory serves me correctly, the fatality was very unfortunate and not due to hooning.

The signs are right at the beginning of the track at each end. It seems as if no publicity was given to the closure, other than the signs because "the council thought locals would know about the closure." Not on the Blenheim side we didn't.

"Although this is shown as a road . . . I was told it was not a public road" Since when? It is part of the original highway from Nelson to Blenheim!

Yet another example of a council acting illegally to keep 4wders out of the countryside?

[DaveM]

Been closed for a few weeks now. Spotted the sign up the Maitai when in Nelson last, but thought it may have been closed because of a Mtb race up there.
Was a good wee track to get to/from Nelson for something a little different.

Strangely enough, most of the damage occured on the "side" tracks, which had been there for years, and probably limited damage to the main track until these were blocked off.

Be interesting to see if it's closed off for 4wd's or if that includes motorbikes too.

[Bulletproof]

Clubs still have access buy getting a permit from the NCC.

The Guy in charge at the council is very favourable to 4 Wheel driving but alot of private people have done alot of damage in the Maitai Valley so they have had it coming.

Cheers Richard

[oldblue]

At the present time the track is being repaired by the Dam's caretaker,
The main problem is that an optic cable was layed in the middle of the track to shallow and with the water squareing over it ,it could be damaged by hoons.
Our club is in contact with the NCC and would be advised on any new developments.

[UBZ]

one of my favorite tracks , was the way i always used coming and going from Nelson.

Isn't it a paper road?

[oldblue]

Part of the paper road is under what is now the Maitai Dam lake so you would need a very long snorkle.

[Bulletproof]

Part of the paper road is under what is now the Maitai Dam lake so you would need a very long snorkle.

Cheers Richard

[Fourbyfour]

I hope this is just a temporary closure and not part of a covert plan to further restrict access to those involved in our sport.
I guess the trouble is that the damage that some who are not so serious about our sport do has serious repercussions for those of us that do care for the places we visit.

[Bulletproof]

The Track is closed to the public but clubs can still get access by ringing for a permit to the Nelson City council/.

Cheers Richard

[Fourbyfour]

Anyone know if this situation is resolved now or is the track still closed to 4wd vehicles?

[DaveM]

Not sure that it will ever reopen to the public. Permit is required, but unsure if you must be on a club trip to get one, or if individuals can get one

[baxter]

It's open to inderviduals - took the Lada through a few months ago - you need to give the NCC a refundable $100 bond for the key

[keithal]

It's open to inderviduals - took the Lada through a few months ago - you need to give the NCC a refundable $100 bond for the key

You must have a long ass handle on your shovel
That was one hell of a thread dig

[NJV6]

That was one hell of a thread dig

Yes, but a fully justified one. It's good to have access updates.

[DaveM]

Nice. Been years since I have been through, so will look into going through in the near future

[keithal]

That was one hell of a thread dig

Yes, but a fully justified one. It's good to have access updates.

Can't argue with that

[gary_in_nz]

is this track still open? who do I contact in the NCC to arrange access? I was going to be in this area in late December was looking for something to do for a day. How are the track conditions? I would have an 80 series on 33 muddies, nothing hard out.

[Smurf]

Track is still open, You need a key from the NCC, $50 deposit on the key from memory. Unsure who you talk to at the Council but the reception staff should put you onto the right person, or email them to ask.
Your 80 series will be fine.


enquiry@ncc.govt.nz
03 546 0200

[gary_in_nz]

Awesome cheers, will look into it!