Random bike jumps and unauthorised bike trails through the Hikuwai Conservation Area are damaging its native kanuka environment according to the Department of Conservation (DOC).

DOC is responsible for the management of the conservation area, located above the Clutha River near Albert Town, and between Gunn and Aubrey Roads.

It is the home of the Hikuwai Loop, a nine kilometre track popular with both bikers and walkers. The single loop defined by markers was formed in 2016, with the blessing of DOC, by Bike Wanaka to rationalise the numerous trails which criss-crossed the large, terraced reserve. 

DOC operations manager Mike Tubbs said the reserve offers a diverse range of authorised mountain bike tracks and its circuit of formed tracks, including the junior bike track and jumps near Gunn Road, creating a real asset for the community.

But unauthorised tracking has occurred in recent times and DOC describes it as vandalism.

The authorised Hikuwai Loop track is identified with direction markers. 

“Some in our community think it’s OK to remove vegetation, build unsafe jumps and damage the landscape without seeking consent,” he said. 

“I am disappointed at the escalation in this type of behaviour that has created extra work for staff in reinstating the areas,” Mike said. “Building your own track is not a solution and the repair costs are just a waste of public money.”

Bike Wanaka club president Tim David agreed. He said the club was working with DOC to utilise conservation land in a way that was beneficial to everyone and for the greater good of cycling in Wanaka.

He understood why riders might want to take the initiative and build their own jumps or tracks, but doing it on land which doesn’t belong to them will erode the good will the community has for bike riders.

And if they continue to damage the Hikuwai reserve DOC “would be within its rights to close the conservation area” which would be the worst case imaginable, Tim said.

The wilful damage of the conservation area is an offence under the Conservation Act, punishable by imprisonment or a fine, and DOC is relying on the public to help stop this illegal activity by reporting suspicious behaviour to DOC or the police. 

Bike Wanaka has around 1,000 members, Tim said, and they could reach most local riders and spread the word.

“But we’re not the ‘Bike Police’, we have no authority; we can only educate,” he said.

Tim said the club is pursuing the creation of new trails all the time and is currently negotiating with DOC to create a new ‘bike park’ with tracks and jumps within the Hikuwai Reserve closer to the river. It will better utilise the public car parking and new toilets at the end of Gunn Road, he said. 

PHOTOS: Wanaka App