Picnics but no camping at Forest Pools

DoC's Forest Pools campground, off SH1 near Okaihau, has been closed due to a series of "unpleasant incidents". Locals are instead turning it into a public picnic area. Photo / Supplied

A Department of Conservation campground in the Far North has been closed following what DoC describes as a series of "unpleasant incidents" - including ongoing vandalism and an accident in which a tourist's van tumbled into a river.

The Forest Pools camping ground, just off State Highway 1 and bordering Puketi Forest, will instead be converted into a picnic area for daytime use.

Its forest setting and swimming holes in the Waipapa River make it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, but its easy access from SH1 means it also frequented by vandals.

Signs and bollards have been repeatedly removed, toilets have been trashed, and litter has been left behind.

Last December, a Welsh couple was lucky to escape serious injury when their van tumbled 6m down a bank into the river.

They had been trying to drive to the toilets up a narrow dirt road. Bollards designed to keep vehicles off the track had been removed.

Concerned locals have now joined together to form a roopu (group) called Te Mauri o Waihou to work with DoC to better manage the area.

They aim to improve the health of the river and Puketi Forest, enhance the picnic area, and bring back the "whanau feeling" of Forest Pools. One of the first decisions by the roopu and DoC was to close the campsite.

Future plans include landscaping, upgrading the toilets, and constructing a designated parking area.

DoC ranger Dan O'Halloran said a community planting day, due to take place tomorrow, was a great chance to muck in and improve the area.

"We'd like to encourage everyone to come along and get involved ... These small seedlings will grow into forest giants that future generations will enjoy," he said.

Contact Dan O'Halloran on (09) 407 0311 or dohalloran@doc.govt.nz if you want to take part in the planting day, which starts at 9.30am tomorrow.