Trampers and hunters keen to visit the Kaweka Forest Park this summer are being cautioned to take extra care when venturing into the backcountry.
The storm in August left major damage to tracks in the Middle Hill and Makino Hut area, including the Te Puia and Makino Hut tracks. In many places, tracks are no longer visible beneath fallen tree branches and other debris.
The Hawke's Bay district of the Department of Conservation restored the track from the Makahu Rd to Te Puia Hut and the Mangatainoka Hot Springs in September. Contractors are due to begin work on the Makino Hut Track soon.
Senior ranger Malcolm Lock the first priority was to restore the Te Puia track, which is by far the most popular track in our district.
"We expect that the track to Makino Hut will be cleared by December."