Papatahi Hut

Ungulate control for parts of Remutaka Forest Park

03 August 2026

Ungulate (goats, deer, pigs) control work will take place from 10 August 2026 to 30 June 2027. The operation will include both aerial shooting and ground hunting with indicator dogs, thermal drone assistance as well as aerial surveillance and trail cameras for monitoring. The operation area is shown on the map in the solid pink and solid yellow buffer zones. Remutaka ungulate operation area map (PDF, 140K) First published on 22 January 2026. Last reviewed on 4 August 2026.

Ōrongorongo Track reroute

11 June 2026

A section of the Ōrongorongo Track at Jacob’s Ladder has been rerouted due to the risk of an imminent collapse. The slip cannot be seen from the track. The reroute is well signposted. Turn back if you find yourself on a section of rough, uneven track with deep cracks. The rerouted track is a temporary tramping track with some large, unformed steps. Jacob’s Ladder is the area where the track descends steeply down to the Ōrongorongo River Valley. This is about five minutes before the curved bridge when travelling from the Catchpool car park end. This is a long term alert. First published on 20 March 2023. Last reviewed on 12 June 2026.