Arthur’s Pass mail stoush leaves Te Araroa hikers without vital gear, police now involved

A dispute over mail delivery in Arthur’s Pass has left Te Araroa trail walkers without shoes, socks and other essential supplies – and forced police intervention just days before Christmas.

The row centres on parcels addressed to Mountain House, a hostel and resupply point on the rel="" title="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/west-coast/">Te Araroa trail, managed by Tash De Goldi.

She collects and stores “bounce boxes” for long-distance hikers – parcels containing food, toiletries, medication and other supplies.

The parcels are delivered via New Zealand Post, which in Arthur’s Pass are handled by local agent Sean Moran.

Goat Pass in Arthur's Pass National Park. Photo / Stephanie Holmes

According to De Goldi, dozens of parcels were held for weeks following a neighbourly dispute involving septic waste, a complaint to Environment Canterbury and accusations of theft.

Police visited Moran’s home on Saturday, after which 47 parcels that had been held since November 21 were finally released on Sunday afternoon.

De Goldi said the police effectively instructed Moran to release the parcels.

While relieved to finally access the parcels, De Goldi says the situation is far from over.

Many more parcels remain in storage, and she lacks the keys to access PO box lockers containing further deliveries.

Last week the NZ Post van driver had to take around 20 packages back to Christchurch because there was no room to leave them, she said.

De Goldi said she expects continued difficulty accessing further parcels.

She has been in regular contact with NZ Post since the stoush began, but her concerns remain unresolved.

“I’ve been emailing and calling Monday to Friday, every day, with no response,” she said.

At least eight Te Araroa hikers have been directly affected by the delay, missing essential gear for the trail.

NZ Post said they were working to resolve the issue. Photo / NZ Post

De Goldi said she is working to forward parcels at her own cost to minimise disruption.

“This is collateral damage from a personal problem,” she said.

“I’m not responsible, but I feel a duty of care to the walkers relying on Mountain House as a resupply point.”

A NZ Post spokesperson provided a statement on Friday: “NZ Post is aware of the issue regarding the use of PO boxes and resulting challenges in Arthur’s Pass, and are actively working on a solution.”

Meanwhile, De Goldi has encouraged walkers to use New Zealand Couriers to avoid further delays.

She also plans to pursue a civil claim against NZ Post in the new year over what she says is a failure to meet contractual obligations.

Selwyn MP Nicola Griggs said she was aware of the situation regarding the held parcels, and would continue to work with NZ Post on this issue.

Moran has been approached for comment.

Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin. He joined the Herald in 2023.