Slips caused by recent heavy rain have led to the temporary closure of Wanaka’s popular Outlet Track.

The Department of Conservation (DOC), which manages and maintains the track, said most of the 3km walking/biking track, from the Hikuwai Link Trail at Albert Town to the Outlet Camp on Outlet Road, was closed over the weekend and would remain closed “until further notice”.

Senior ranger Nicole Sutton said part of the trail which runs beside the Clutha/Mata-Au River had been inundated when the clay bank above it slumped.

She said DOC staff will not be making track repairs until it is safe for staff to work below the bank that has slumped. 

“We plan to undertake a geotechnical assessment of the area to ensure public safety,” she said.

One of the legs of the Challenge Wanaka Multi used to traverse the Outlet Track. PHOTO: Lennon Bright Photography

She said DOC was notified of the impassable slips across the track by reports from the public over the weekend, which were verified by DOC staff.

This is not the first time the Outlet Track has been temporarily closed by erosion. 

“The track along the Clutha Mata-Au can be prone to flooding,” Nicole said.

Even with the Outlet Track closed, access to the Hikuwai Link Track is still available off either Aubrey or Gunn roads.

While the Outlet Track is a DOC asset, other sections of the trail, from Wanaka’s waterfront along the lakeside to the start of the Clutha/Mata-Au at the outlet, are maintained by Queenstown Lakes District Council.

This is the only DOC track affected by the recent heavy rain, Nicole said, but added that anyone who encounters track damage on DOC tracks in the local area is encouraged to report it at DOC’s Tititea / Mt Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre on Ballantyne Road.