One milestone down but trespassers jeopardise Cathedral Cove opening

Date: 14 November 2024

"We're continuing to make really good progress reinstating the walkway, having flown in prefabricated stairs and other building materials", says DOC's Regional Operations Director, Tinaka Mearns.

"DOC staff and contractors are still intercepting dozens of visitors a day, who have climbed around physical barriers and signage in an attempt to access the track.

"Continuing to stop work and redirect people away from the site slows progress, while walking through the work site may result in someone being hurt. The next few weeks are crucial, with key infrastructure being installed, reliant on both weather and visitors playing ball.

"While we can't control the weather, it's really disheartening to see people deliberately putting the work and themselves at risk by accessing the closed track.

"The problem will become more acute as work progresses through narrow points of the landscape. Walkers will either have to go through active work sites or navigate highly hazardous cliff and rockfall sections.

"Thank you to the many people who are showing patience and good sense by staying away. To continue to help us please encourage others to do the same," says Tinaka Mearns.

Mautohe Cathedral Cove Walking access is on track to open in December. Until the track is open, visitors can access the cove by boat or kayak.

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