Visitors to the Bay of Plenty are being asked to check access to tracks and campsites before heading out this weekend, after extensive storm damage and a continued state of emergency in the region.

Karangahake Gorge remains closed, with Department of Conservation (DoC) staff still working to assess the scale of damage.

DoC Tauranga operations manager John Sutton said much of Bay of Plenty was still in response mode, and people were just starting to assess the damage.

“I urge people to check your destinations and choose safe options this weekend; I think our emergency services have enough on their plates.”

Significant amounts of water have gone through some popular locations, and DoC staff needed time to make sure it was safe for people to return.

“Karangahake Gorge has been particularly hard hit. You might have seen videos of water rushing through the tunnel of the Windows Walk. It’ll take some time to get the tracks and facilities to a condition where people can safely visit,” Sutton said.

“Dickey Flat campsite at the southern end of Karangahake Gorge is closed until further notice, and this isn’t a booked site, so we’re really asking people to use common sense and check access and conditions before they head out.”

Matatā campsite, closer to Whakatāne, was closed until Tuesday, and booked visitors had been informed.

Although other DoC tracks across Bay of Plenty might remain formally open, Sutton urged visitors to be alert to the possibility of landslides, washouts, or downed trees. Damage should be reported to DoC on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

“Stay safe this weekend, and we look forward to welcoming you back into these spaces when we can.”

The DoC website has alerts about tracks, huts and campsites.