DOC Maniapoto operations manager Graham Kimber inspects the damage. Photo Sigrid Christiansen
POPULAR Piopio-Mangaotaki tourist attraction Waitanguru Falls has a badly damaged viewing platform, caused by a dangerous slip which is “clearly getting bigger”, according to DOC Maniapoto operations manager Graham Kimber, based in Te Kūiti.
“We urge people not to climb down – the area is pretty unstable. There is a reason why we put the barrier where we did.”
Damage appeared around 12 months ago, in extreme weather events prior to Cyclone Gabrielle. The wooden structure has collapsed and much of it washed away entirely, leaving nothing but empty space where the boards should be.
The walk’s entrance is supposed to be blocked by a barrier; however, this had been unofficially removed by an unknown person.
When Department of Conservation staff visited on Monday evening, the substantial wooden railings blocking the track’s entrance (as opposed to the viewing platform) had been dismantled neatly and placed to one side, alongside the closed sign. This was at the picnic area on Mangaotaki Rd.
The slip and damage to the platform is under review with DOC because of the costs associated with a geotechnical report, not yet in progress. It is that report which will lead to final decisions around rebuilding the platform. “We are waiting to get a geotechnical expert to look at the ground surface. We believe there is water cutting across the track uphill from the platform, which is making the ground unstable – we believe it is still moving. So, we are very unlikely to reinstate that platform.” Graham said there was no intention to close the track outright. However, ultimately, the future of the viewing area was “all under consideration.” DOC had not received any funding for the project from the Government’s cyclone funds, so any repairs had to come out of its operational budget. The department would be open to communicating with local community groups interested in the walk’s future, he said. Waitanguru Falls walk is popular, in local terms if not in comparison to the Waitomo attractions. Walkers and drivers on Mangaotaki Rd are used to a regular stream of tourist vehicles heading up to the falls, and this was the case even during Covid when other destinations were closed. However, there is a counter on the track, and DOC say the track is far less popular than those at Waitomo, which are international attractions. This is another factor to consider when there is only so much money to go around. As a comparison, Waitanguru Falls attracts 2000 to 3000 visitors each year, while Omaru Falls attracts 8000 to 10,000 and the Mangapohue Natural Bridge, 50,000. The situation has left local business owners curious about the potential impact on tourism in the area, with some operators saying they would prefer more transparency from DOC. Even locals may not realise that the reserve is much larger than the area containing the waterfall. Waitanguru Scenic Reserve is made up of two blocks totalling 187.6477ha. There is the part along Mangaotaki Road, near the waterfall, and a larger part sitting between Waitanguru Road and Maire Road just to the north, Graham said. On its website, DOC has placed the following warning: “At Waitangaru Falls, a section of track has eroded below the lookout. A barrier is now in place and visitors should not progress past it.” “Read the signs – if there’s a barrier up, it’s there for a reason. And if you’ve got any questions, ring the DOC office,” Graham said.
