Hikers Ignoring Warnings: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park's Hooker Valley Track in Peril
In a concerning development, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has issued a warning about hikers ignoring safety measures on the Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Up to 20 people daily are putting their lives at risk by venturing into restricted areas where construction and explosive work is underway to build a new bridge.
The DOC's efforts to maintain safety have been met with defiance. Staff working on the 189-meter suspension bridge have repeatedly encountered hikers ignoring safety barriers and gates, often requiring them to halt construction activities to ensure people leave. In one instance, a helicopter pouring concrete had to be stopped to accommodate hikers.
The situation has become so critical that the DOC's Aoraki/Mount Cook operations manager, Sally Jones, has issued a stark warning. She emphasizes the dangers hikers face by climbing fences and attempting to cross the Hooker River, which is both freezing and fast-flowing. These actions are all for the purpose of reaching the closed Hooker Bridge, which is deemed unsafe.
Jones highlights the erosion of the riverbank holding the old bridge's piles, further increasing the risk of collapse. She stresses that hikers are endangering their lives and underscores the importance of respecting the DOC's instructions. The DOC is taking measures to address this issue, including installing security cameras to monitor visitors and issuing trespass notices for the restricted upper section of the track.
Additionally, aerial predator control operations are planned, which will temporarily close Tasman Valley Road and the lower Hooker Track near the first suspension bridge. Jones encourages visitors to explore other scenic walks within the park, such as Kea Point, Sealy Tarns, Bowen Bush, and Governors Bush, to enjoy the park's beauty safely.
The DOC's commitment to visitor safety and environmental preservation is evident in these measures. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines in outdoor recreational activities.
