The first section from Mārahau to Anchorage has reopened, along with the section from Tonga Quarry to Onetahuti. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal
Trampers can now walk the Abel Tasman Coast track in full, after significant work was done to repair the damage caused by severe rain in August.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) said several weeks of dry weather enabled a large amount of repair work to be done on the Great Walk.
The first section from Mārahau to Anchorage has reopened, along with the section from Tonga Quarry to Onetahuti.
DOC staff worked with Downer and Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle to get the repair works done as quickly as possible.
The only section that remained closed was the high tide track between Anchorage and Torrent Bay, where a low tide option was available.
A new high tide route is being established after two significant slips damaged the existing track, with diggers flown in by helicopter to do the work. It is expected to be complete in the next two weeks.
Further geotechnical analysis will be done to determine if a new bridge is needed at Torrent River. It can currently be crossed via a poled ford or on a low tide track.
