Regional parks notices

Between 8am and 4pm from 22-26 August (Monday to Friday), the NZ Army will be using the area north of the West Melton Rifle range for a training exercise.  

The area will be closed to the public. Access on the gravel road from Thompsons road through to Weedons Ross Road will still be open.

Stage One of the harvesting and replanting work in West Melton Forest is almost complete, and Stage two is about to start. For five weekdays (August 8-12), the forest will be closed to the public to allow us to move machinery and complete track maintenance. Please be patient with us as we make sure the area is safe for everyone.

When we reopen the forest on August 13, visitors will need to use the Chattertons Road entrance and follow the detour signs on the tracks. Please check the map to see which areas and entrances will be closed to the public during Stage Two of harvesting and replanting. We will post updates on our Facebook page.

Please check the map see which areas and entrances will be closed to the public during stage one and stage two.

We will post updates on our Facebook page.

Areas and entrances closed to the public during stage one

Starting Thursday 4 August, river engineers will be using heavy machinery and chainsaws in the Baynons Brake area as part of their flood protection work. To ensure everyone's safety, the entire eastern end of Baynons Brake will be closed while the work is being done. 

The eastern end of Baynons Brake will remain closed during weekdays from 7.30am until 4.30pm for approximately two weeks. We will reopen the area during the weekends.

The western loop of Baynons Brake (approximately 6km), will remain open and accessible for the duration of the works.

Please follow the instructions on all signs and all verbal instructions from Environment Canterbury staff.

Please note that some sections of the eastern end of the track are still under water after the recent severe weather.

Check our Facebook page for updates.

Please refer to the map to see which tracks are closed (those marked in black) and which will remain open (those marked in green).

Due to the 2021 floods, restrictions to access are in place while we continue to repair the Te Ruakaakaa underpass.