Nestled between steep ridgelines in a quiet corner of the Southern Alps, this remote alpine valley was once a favourite among trampers seeking solitude, stargazing, and a night far from civilisation.
Today, it’s officially closed to overnight stays — and the Department of Conservation (DOC) isn’t saying exactly why.
There’s been no flood. No fire. No known slips. And yet, bivvies and huts in the area have been quietly removed from booking platforms, and new signs warn visitors:
“No overnight camping beyond this point – by order of DOC.”
Locals are starting to ask questions. But the answers are few, and vague.
A backcountry favourite, suddenly off-limits
The valley — known informally as Whakataki Hollow by longtime trampers — lies east of Mount Aspiring National Park, accessible only via an unmarked trail and a long river crossing.
It wasn’t on the tourist circuit, but it was well known among seasoned hikers for its dramatic cliffs, rare wildlife, and clear night skies.
“It was one of those places you didn’t tell too many people about,” says Josh, a Dunedin-based tramper who’s stayed there a dozen times. “No crowds, just kea, silence, and stars.”
That changed in April 2025, when DOC officials reportedly began pulling signage, removing hut listings, and instructing regional clubs to avoid the area altogether.
The official explanation — or lack of it
When asked, a DOC spokesperson responded with a brief written statement:
“We have suspended overnight access to the Whakataki area due to ongoing environmental assessments and safety concerns.”
Pressed for details — slips, erosion, wildlife? — the agency declined to elaborate.
A source inside DOC, speaking anonymously, said only: “There’s more going on than we can talk about right now.”
That comment has only added fuel to the fire.
Theories and growing unease
In the absence of clear answers, speculation is spreading:
- Some suggest seismic instability, pointing to minor tremors recorded nearby in recent months.
- Others believe a significant archaeological site may have been uncovered — possibly a pre-European shelter or burial cave.
- A few have even mentioned a tohunga-led rāhui (temporary spiritual restriction) placed after a group reported “disturbances” during a 2024 trip.
“All I know is, people came back from there… different,” says Kaia, a former hut warden in the region. “One guy wouldn’t speak for days. Said he felt ‘watched’ all night.”
DOC has not responded to any of these claims.
Will it reopen?
As of now, the valley remains open for day use only — no camping, no bivvying, no lingering after sunset.
Rangers reportedly conduct quiet patrols and turn away any group carrying overnight gear.
For a place once known for peaceful nights under the stars, Whakataki Hollow has gone strangely silent.
And until DOC chooses to speak, trampers are left with only questions — and the unsettling sense that something, or someone, doesn’t want them staying the night.
Totally ridiculous.. As long as people are respectful to the area.. Why can’t we make the most of OUR country? We pay for it. It doesn’t belong to Maori, just because they think they were there first. There was another tribe of people way before they got here.
Yeah ok racist
There’s always a conspiracy nutter trying to undermine Maori history. Keep it to yourself. Stop letting the conspiracies escape your little world.
There are plenty of realistic reasons why Doc did this.
All right. Name one.
That place is very spiritual, and if u have been there you will know, there are many places in NZ the pre date Maori, if this divide continues we won’t get anywhere, our difference have been put aside many many years ago.dont let the people bring hate , we are all kiwis if u like it or not!
How do you get there? Or even closest landmark?
Actually, DOC do not have the power to exclude the public from public owned and funded ( through taxes) conservation land in this country.
Why do you jump straight into racism? There was nothing mentioned about maori? You’re making ugly assumptions
Exactly. It’s disgusting, I am maori and am embarrassed by what our culture does. Especially when we know, and it is written in our own myths and legends, that we weren’t here first. Patupaiarehe, Waitaha and many other groups were here way before. It’s disgusting and people need to hold Ngati Waewae and Ngai Tahu to account.
Maori arrived here from somewhere else that they don’t know, there were Celtic Irish white people here as well as people from Iran here when Maori arrived, there is global history changing artifacts that cannot be investigated purely because it proves beyond doubt Maori are not indigenous, so even today people from the stone age believing a nonsensical self collapsing delusion is preventing humanity from understanding all of our history globally because a stone age group of people refuse to let go of their implied power and gravy train provided for them by the hard working people that civilized and built this country, and they still complain and want more.
You’re a fecking idiot, if you think that’s true. Absolute conspiracy of I’m being totally honest; I mean, have you any FULLPROOF genetic evidence?
Wacko. You don’t know what you’re talking about and you’re embarrassing yourself.. shhhhh now!
Wacko. You don’t know what you’re talking about and you’re embarrassing yourself.. shhhhh now
Straight to Maori?, get a life
Same old racist shit.
Do some research of academic writers instead of the books by Barry and the Celtic craziesl
I taught our history for 45 years and you couldn’t be more wrong
You are offensive.
That’s such a dumb knee jerk statement, when no one knows why it’s closed for overnight stays.
Here, here, I totally agree
If it turns out that it is bones or artifacts that acess6is being blocked someone needs to get in there and take photos of it at least.
There is too much early history of nz being hushed
Correct.Im in Deep Cove/Doubtful Sound & have read an old book on how it was discovered.
The Spanish,besides Cptn Cook discovered it,not Maori as portrayed as for some unknown reason it’s now has a second name called Patea.
There were two people navigating a path from Lake Manapouri to Doubtful Sound,one went missing,the other a guy Wilmot,surveyed the track in there,now called the Wilmot Pass that I look after.
It’s cold & bleak in here & I challenge anyone who claim Maori ventured in here hundreds of years ago as the attire they wore back then, would have died of hyperthermia as the bush is cold & wet & of steep terrain.North Arm alone is called the fridge due to the coldness.
I believe that Maori can’t lay claim to everything that we are led to believe,we only get brainwashed by our government to believe as it will put a dim view on what we are told to believe.
I hope what is found in the Aspiring area is of the forgotten tribe of Waitaha from the West Coast as I work alongside a Waitaha elder & I have a friend who was raised in Kumara who is also Waitaha & both have interesting claims that just may rewrite history.
And exactly where in this article does it actually say Maori are laying claim to anything?
Source?
I agree about that, but, Disturbances? Does NZ have another Bigfoot type creature, similar to the Moehau man? Aliens? With DOC saying nothing, and banning camping, anything is possible.
Yeah, god forbid there was a civilization here before the māori. Wouldn’t want anymore discoveries on that one.
Your name is compatible with your argument.😂
Same old racist shit
Give it up
Just live with what we know
Probably another significant pre-Maori celtic burial site exposed from recent eq tremors. DOC have been behind all the hidden pre- Maori cultural sites for the last 80 years.
Are you serious?
Where does all this conspiracy shit come from
I taught our history for 45 years and you sound badly informed to me
Stop such efforts to pass on false information
😆 it’s only overnight stays that is discouraged. Can you tend to that racism you have stewing in your belly? It’s really ugly
I agree! So much being swept under the carpet. People need to stand up and say something.
It’ll be a valley of raw gold and or platinum , from study I’ve done on 1800 geologists who visited nz , they all said best gold potential they had ever seen, believe me the stuff is everywhere. Micro gold in varying amounts nearly every rock I’ve seen, im guessing they’ve found the mother lode for that area, there will be that much there we would crush the world market. Imagine just under $4000 usd per oz down to $40 usd per oz cause our mountains are near pure lol, tons of the stuff if we took it all we have no land left to live on.
Would other countries care hell no the board game RISK just got real.
DOC continues to be vague about a lot of places now denied access to. The Arahura Valley walk and Te Uraweras spring to mind. The latter has experienced hut burning and access difficulties caused by Tuhoe under Tamati Kruger, the Kokako pest control project appears to have been shelved.
DOC continues to be obtuse and non transparent on a lot of these issues which is not good enough for a taxpayer funded public department
Fun fact, DOC can’t just close your access to public land. It’s called public land for a reason and the rationale for restrictions to access should be disclosed if they’re following due process. If this isn’t a call for people to get in there and figure out what’s actually going on I don’t know what is. Everyone has a cell phone, get some pictures and post it for some truth for once.
exactly
Of course DOC Can close the area If they think it could be dangerous they are.legally.able to close any Emviromental area. ITS Thier responsibility.todo so.
As for you pathetic narrow minded racists look at your own history.
You can guarantee Maori are telling doc what to do
We can only guarantee that you are racist. There’s nothing to say that maori are making a call to stop overnight stays.
Just go there, they can’t stop you. DOC is formed from our tax payer money so you can unless they have a very good reason, which they aren’t saying. So bugger them.
There is no way any DOC member can physically stop anyone going anywhere on DOC, ( OUR ) land. We are free to roam where ever we want, at our own risk as it always has been. Even local iwi can only ask for your respect but cannot physically stop you. That is assault. If they say conditions are unsafe then they must also shut down the entire Te Araroa trail.
Unfortunately there is no such thing as “Public land”, all national parks, council land, roads etc, are owned by the Crown, ie that family that live 9000 miles North of here, it is administered by government departments on their behalf, we the people own nothing.
Maybe there is Fast-track mining going on behind our backs!
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something bigger—maybe wildlife issues or land deals? Just saying, transparency wouldn’t kill them, right?
Shane Jones massive oil discovery.
Wait, are we honestly buying DOC’s silence here? Feels like they’re hiding something way sketchier than just ‘safety issues.’ Anyone else?
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something bigger—maybe dangerous wildlife or secret mining? Why else ghost the usual clear answers? Suspicious much?
Or maybe they just suck at communication? Not everything’s a conspiracy, chill out a bit.
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something bigger—maybe environmental damage or private deals? If it’s safe, why the silence and sudden ban?
Its the slow take over of our so called PUBLIC land by Maori. Theft by stealth because they feel so wronged….and so it begins and all NZers will let it.
Someone needs a history lesson.
we are one we are all Gods Children so stop bickering over same bull shit as a true Kiwi with a truck load of Faith in our Lord im well over it.
Wow, thats actually unacceptable. Racism is curable, and if you truly believe we should be united, you’ll stop with the racism.
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something way bigger than just safety issues. Why ghost us with zero clear answers? Suspicious much?
DOC are assholes end of money changes everything read it and weep
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something way bigger—maybe environmental damage or secret mining? Just vague excuses don’t cut it anymore!
Exactly! When silence screams, you know they’re covering something worse than we imagine. Stay skeptical.
😆 this is the funniest advice I’ve seen in a while.
Hey Smith, you really are a keyboard hack aren’t you.
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something bigger—maybe environmental damage or secret deals? Just saying, silence usually means trouble, right?
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something bigger—maybe wildlife danger or land deals? Just saying, silence fuels way more fear than facts!
Honestly, if DOC won’t explain, maybe there’s something shady going on? Like, what if it’s not just safety but politics?
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something big—maybe environmental damage or secret mining? Why else the silence? Super sketchy, right?
Totally agree, their silence screams cover-up. If it’s nothing, why the radio silence? Suspicious as hell.
Like what they want to brazenly shut down wilderness areas un agenda21
I agree, the Department of Conservation, iwi. and the government coverup, not only there but in Taranaki
Oh just stop Ian. I’ve seen you hating on maori all across the country. It’s blatant racism. You think you’re the self appointed mountain man of Taranaki but you’ve just become king of whiney hill. Just cut it out
Maybe DOC has discovered Bigfoots lair? Theyre just keeping it under wraps to protect him. Would explain the sudden secrecy, wouldnt it? 🤔💭
Or maybe theyre protecting us from Bigfoots wrath? Ever thought about that? 🤨🙄
They’re closing east of the park for filming of the air Edmund movie
At night? It was no overnight stays, wasn’t it?
Honestly, isn’t DOC just covering up some serious safety blunder? Feels like they owe us way more transparency on this shutdown.
Has the hallmarks of deliberately disruptive power flexing with only laughably irrational fear-mongering as justification.
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something bigger. What if it’s not just safety—maybe they want to keep us out for profit?
I reckon DOC hiding something big, maybe a cryptid or UFO sightings? Anyway, whos up for a midnight hike to crack this mystery?
Why so hush, DOC? Are we looking at some Stranger Things kinda scenario here? We deserve to know! #ReopenTheValley 🕵️♀️🏞️
DOCs silence doesnt confirm your sci-fi theories. Chill out, its not Netflix! #PatienceIsKey 🤫🔑
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something way bigger than “safety.” What if it’s about profits or some secret deal? Weird vibes.
Honestly, isnt DOC just hiding something bigger here? Feels like a cover-up rather than safety concerns. What else aren’t they telling us?
Totally agree. When agencies go silent, it’s usually because the truth’s way worse than they admit.
Honestly, isn’t DOC just hiding something bigger? Like, why ghost us with zero details? Feels sketchy, not just “safety issues.”
Exactly, it’s always “safety issues” until someone digs deeper and exposes the real story.
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something way bigger than just safety. Why the silence? Feels super sketchy, not just “off-limits.”
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something bigger—maybe wildlife issues or secret mining? Just say it instead of the vague silence, please!
Sounds like classic conspiracy bait. Sometimes silence is just—silence, not a cover-up. Chill.
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something bigger. Why the silence? Are they covering up environmental damage or just being lazy? Weird.
Seriously, why is DOC being so secretive? Feels like they’re hiding something way bigger than just “safety concerns.” Anyone else think this?
Wait, is DOC hiding something shady here? If it’s truly unsafe, shouldn’t they be upfront instead of ghosting us with silence?
Classic move—silence often speaks louder than words. If it’s safe, why the radio silence?
Honestly, if DOC can’t explain why it’s closed, maybe they’re hiding something way bigger than just safety issues? Feels off.
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something bigger. Why the sudden silence? Maybe they found some secret illegal stuff down there? Just saying.
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something way bigger. Why go silent? Maybe it’s not about safety but some secret govt deal? Weird.
Or maybe they just don’t have all the facts yet. Jumping to conspiracies won’t help.
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something big. What if it’s not just safety but some secret project? We deserve answers, not silence!
Or maybe it’s just bureaucracy dragging its feet, not some grand conspiracy. Chill and wait.
Seems like the DOC is hiding something! Maybe they found a Yeti or something! lol. But seriously, transparency would be appreciated.
Or maybe the Yeti found them first! Kidding aside, indeed, transparency is key.
Honestly, isn’t DOC just hiding something bigger here? Feels like they’re punishing us for something we didn’t do. What’s the real deal?
Exactly! Feels like a classic cover-up. They’re definitely not telling us the full story.
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something way bigger. What if it’s not just safety—maybe some secret mining or wildlife stuff? Weird silence.
Exactly! When they go silent, it’s never just about safety. Something’s definitely off here.
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something way bigger than just “safety”. What if it’s about profit or secret deals, not danger?
Guys, sounds like a classic case of a secret government project. DOC is likely in on it. #Area51vibes #conspiracytheories
Or maybe its just a classic case of overactive imagination. #RealityCheck #LogicOverConspiracy
Honestly, feels like DOC’s hiding something serious. If it’s truly unsafe, why keep everyone guessing? Transparency should be non-negotiable here.
Probably only one reason, Ngai Tahu extending their reach to take control, Probably another hand out to get monetary gains and forcing this woke government to bow down to them. This country is going to the pack. Also be like the moratorium put on the stone city south east of the Waipoua forest which Cleary place earlier settlers than Maori.
Why do you jump straight to a racist approach?
DOC has said previously ‘closed for safety and cultural reasons’ but has stopped saying that.
It will be Iwi dictated.
The secrecy will be to prevent uproar from users.
“As of now, the valley remains open for day use only — no camping, no bivvying, no lingering after sunset.”
Why is it only accessible during daylight. Seismic activity happens when it happens. If it’s unsafe after sunset, it’s unsafe beforehand surely.
Wow, lots of unchecked, unfounded racism going on here.
Do your research before opening your mouth it’s not racism it’s facts. The kaima a wall has been kept secret since the 80s info is meant to be released this year bet that changes
To many tourists wrecking the place get rid off them
Honestly, isn’t DOC just hiding something bigger here? Like, why the hush? Feels less about safety, more about covering up a mess.
This land belongs to all NZers. If its public land just ignore DOC and Maori and use it. Seems like they use the stupid notion of spiritual mumbo jumbo to deny access. We need to oppose this crap once and for all.
Honestly, if DOC can’t explain why the valley’s unsafe, maybe it’s time we question their transparency instead of blindly trusting closures.
Exactly! Blind trust only fuels suspicion. DOC owes us clear answers, not vague warnings.
Honestly, isn’t DOC just hiding something bigger? Maybe they found some secret mining or illegal activity and don’t want us nosy hikers snooping!
Just for night time? Yeah that makes sense
You are totally safe in the bush at night. Safer than any city or town. A pig may come to check you out, but stay in your tent or bivvy bag and you will be fine. Do not camp where you might be subject to flooding, avalanche, rockfall, falling trees or falling tree branches, or extreme winds. Out in the wilderness at night, place to be. No nutters, no creeps, no telly. No aliens, no spirits, no yeti, just nature.
Don’t blame Maori for everything, look at DOC , how transparent are they to us all.
Just another smoke and mirrors to the real truth ??
Has it made national news??? Then why not?
Maybe John Campbell would investigate on behalf of all Kiwis.
Honestly Duane. How have you not drowned in your own bath tub? The staggering stupidity on display in these comments is hilarious. Doc can barely organize a piss up in a brewery, let alone any actual conspiracy of silence. This story and the sources in it are all bullshit
Probably due to the area being trashed by campers. Rubbish left behind, human waste and campsite modifications. If there is no formed track then that causes causes environmental damage too. However DOC are very arrogant in not explaining. They are famous for it.
What a stupid ignorant comment. More rubbish and damage would be perpetrated during daylight hours. You don’t tramp at night you sleep. No doubt if DOC won’t give the reason then it’s related to the iwi and they know the backlash it will incite so they won’t tell us. Another example of government pandering to Maori. Ngai Take It All no doubt playing a big part.
Surely the i.o.a could be used to find out why the closure for over night stays has been put in place.
If you tell people they can’t do something, they will just go ahead and do it. Should have said temporary closed to public for night stay overs. Because they didn’t, they will get the usual “thumb their noses up” people doing the opposite.
Have you thought that perhaps it is a little far out for rescue? Did you not read lately that the rescue team in the area has depleted to the point that they can’t have one this year, until they build their experience? You missed that major factor. There’s so much speculation about maori being the catalyst, but thats actually just ugly racism and unacceptable. Be better. The other comments about mystery beasts and aliens is just hilarious. DoC do make a lot of calls based on safety because they are responsible for the safety of people, if they provide the abilities and facilities. Such as tracks and huts. I worked for doc and questioned their tactics from the inside, but it made sense, even though I didnt agree with it. So for all you crazies, just relax. There’s no major takeover. There’s no mystery. It’s just legislation and lack of capacity/capability. End of.
They just need to be upfront and honest, this type of tantalizing headline of secrecy only begs for people to go and check it out and stay. My curiosity is peaked and I’m planning a trip down to find out for myself cause that’s what this age of bullshit media brings.
Holy shit, dead internet is real.
These replies are littered with bots saying the same thing nearly word for word.
Are the racist comments bots too or just braindead. Another mystery lol
DOC do not have any legal ability to refuse the public access to this piece of public owned land. They in LA la land (again) if they believe that they can refuse anyone access.
Doc has no right to police walking tracks. They only maintain tracks and other related maintenance.
They cannot stop you.
Mining ⛏️
Something to cause an area to be unsafe at night….cue twilight zone theme
Lodge an OIA = Official Information Act, DOC has a public & legal obligation to amswer. Just saying for them that want to know.
I’m pretty sure we can see much better during the day? Why would banning “over night” stays relate to something someone doesn’t want us to see. Its vitually pitch black in the back country at night, unless the moon is out. Make it make sense please!
It’s a yeti 10′ tall wandering around eating trappers raw!