Council urges people to stay clear of Blue Bluff slip

Council is urging people to keep well away from the slip site at Blue Bluff on Ōtaki Gorge Road, 13km inland from SH1, following reports of people crossing the site over the weekend.

A large amount of rocks and soil came off the bank on Friday night following heavy rain and there are still big areas of debris hanging precariously above the road.  These could come down at any time, without warning.

We strongly advise the public not to attempt to walk through the slip site or come close to have a look – doing so is a risk to their safety. More fencing and signage is being installed today to further deter unauthorised access to the site.

There is an alternative walking track for people wanting to access Tararua Forest Park and/or the Department of Conservation (DOC) camping ground at the end of Ōtaki Gorge Road. The track was recently opened by DOC and goes well above the slip site, starting at Shields Flat Historic Reserve carpark. More information about the track is on the DOC website.

There is also tramping access to the forest park area from the end of Mangone South Road in Reikorangi (25km/6-8 hours walking time).

Details about the fresh slip are on council's website.

We are continuing our assessment of the slip with engineers.