Roys Peak track being walked despite obvious evidence of closure

People are continuing to park alongside Mt Aspiring Rd near the entrance to the Roys Peak track so they can hike the popular walk, despite it being closed until early next month. Photo / Kerrie Waterworth

Despite a large sign advising people it is closed, people continue to hike up Roys Peak near Wanaka.

Each year the track is closed from October 1 until early November for lambing.

This year the Department of Conservation closed it two weeks earlier so work could start on upgrading the car park at the base.

People have ignored the closed signs and the earthworks to walk the six hours up to the peak.

A large electronic sign was installed at the base of the walk last week advising people the track was closed.

Road cones were also placed along Mt Aspiring Rd to stop people parking on the verges and walking up the track.

But nearby landowners have reported seeing people still walk the track. People had also parked outside the coned area to walk the track, when the Otago Daily Times visited on Sunday.

Department of Conservation senior ranger Annette Grieves said as the track was a public access easement over freehold land any unauthorised users of the track were trespassing and the owner could have them removed.

Part of the track runs through the Alphaburn Station.

''We ask that people are respectful of the closure and consider the effect their actions could have on stock.''

Doc was happy the signs at the entrance and the road cones were enough to deter most people from walking the track, she said.

Alphaburn Station farmer Duncan McRae told the Otago Daily Times he was happy with how Doc had managed the closure.