Nestled deep in the Southern Alps, a once-popular backcountry track has quietly been closed off to the public — and regular trampers are starting to ask: what’s really going on?
With no major announcement and only minimal signage at the trailhead, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has restricted access to a remote section of the Arahura Valley track, citing vague “safety concerns” and “cultural sensitivities”.
But locals say the story is far more complicated.
A hidden gem, suddenly off-limits
The Arahura track, near Hokitika, has long been a favourite among experienced hikers seeking solitude, waterfalls and untouched native bush.
Winding through dense beech forest and across glacial-fed rivers, the route offers dramatic views and leads to a little-known alpine basin said to be one of the most peaceful spots in the West Coast.
Or rather — it used to.
Since late 2024, access beyond a certain point has been quietly restricted. A DOC notice now reads:
“Due to ongoing land stability issues and cultural assessments, this section of track is temporarily closed.”
No reopening date has been given.
DOC’s official line – and what’s missing
When asked for comment, DOC referred only to “land movement concerns” and the need to “work with iwi on culturally sensitive sites in the upper valley”.
But longtime trampers, hut wardens and locals say the situation isn’t as simple as slips or signage.
“That track’s been there for decades,” says Tom, a retired ranger who worked in the region. “It’s more stable than half the South Island. Something else is going on.”
Multiple sources mention the presence of undocumented wāhi tapu (sacred places) in the area — sites that may have been disturbed unintentionally by hikers over the years.
Whispers of an ancient find?
Online forums have lit up with speculation.
Some claim that early in 2024, a group of trampers stumbled across what appeared to be a burial cave — leading to iwi involvement and the quiet suspension of access.
Others suggest a taonga (cultural artefact) may have been uncovered near the headwaters.
DOC has declined to confirm or deny these stories.
Community divided
While some hikers express frustration at the lack of transparency, others — especially Māori groups — support the closure and call for respect.
“If something sacred is up there, it should be protected,” says Miriama, a Ngāi Tahu elder. “Not turned into a photo-op on Instagram.”
At the same time, tourism operators worry about the impact on local businesses, especially in a region still recovering from pandemic-era downturns.
Will it ever reopen?
DOC has stated that the track will remain closed “until further notice”, pending both geological surveys and discussions with local iwi.
For now, the exact reason behind the closure remains officially vague — and quietly controversial.
One thing is certain: something unusual happened in that valley, and DOC isn’t saying everything.
Not yet.
Wake up NZ, this is going to happen more and more
Yep, going to have to ask permission and pay to go anywhere if not the right colour soon, even in our hospitals
Exactly right, this is just the start.
Absolutely agree. This is bullshit just like the forest up north.
Correct , It like The Waipoua Forrest sites That are Cl9sed By D.O.C and L9cal IWI .
They Have Something to Hide That Goes Against there Polucy And Thinking .
If it was a maori find it would be all over the paper. It is more likely a pre maori find. Hence it being closed and not being honest and open about what they found!
Think you could be correct because most of the burial caves are known and long since plundered or treated with the respect they are due.I think this is more like the “wall” in the Kaimanawas.I know for sure that the Chinese were here centuries before the Maori,in fact evidence has been found of their visit in the form of a hardstone bird,which I am grateful to see that the Maori no longer try to suggest was carved by them.However they still, believe it was a sacred taonga which came with the first boats….yeah right.The Chinese upon visiting new lands (and this was c 6thc and the boats used were massive up to 4000 people)always left something behind in the roots of a tree usually a carving such as the bird.There is other evidence of previous visitors though it is most unlikely that between the 6thc and then arrival of Maori no-one else stepped foot on our Islands
Wow, now I know what a (racist) conspiracy theory sounds like! Very sad to see where a good part of the colonist descendants of this country has managed to get to in their limited minds and thinking!
Any excuse for more land grabbing, maybe. Claiming everything and anything as cultural sensitivity, or a Taniwha lives there.
Our cultural (which we have a lot of, and others take advantage of when it suits), is one of sharing, not dividing. IMO
If your (I’d rather not be put in the same milk pot with you) culturevwas one of sharing, we would not have eye watering poverty in this country!
They have more than likely found old artifacts that predate the so called natives of NZ
Exactly! Other artifices in the north have gone missing , these people? were are not the first and are puffed up vain fearing exposure to fraudulent lies coverup GOD own New Zealand !!! We all have the right to go anywhere public areas and these people need to have more taken not given GOD save New Zealand
History will show that tipene o,Regan was one of the most successful con men ever and nz socialists the biggest sucker’s.
100% Good call Agree Bruce.
What a load of rubbish what are you trying to say? Come on full us in on what you no and we don’t.
Sadly, I fear you are right. A minority, who seldom if ever visit these tranquil areas, wish to prevent Kiwis from recreating in our own back yard citing cultural clap trap and fairy tales. Trampers are, by their very nature, the best guardians of these areas. Take nothing but photographs, leave n9thing but footprints.
True
The secret if for people to wake the faark up?
Hey what do I know except the Arahua is the Greenstone river of NZ.
May mean nothing…..
This is another attack on New Zealanders heritage by IWi who are steadily closing off land that belongs to ALL New Zealanders and DOC must come clean or lose all respect. This attack by Iwi on our de mocracy must stop.
Well said , to much secrecy.
You are absolutely right this is just the beginning, And it must be stopped !
Very True . Don’t they say the land is for ALL of us.
Everyone need’s to get a big group of people together throw away that sign and all walk the track in a protest hikoi, at the end of the day if it’s good enough for the Part Māori to have one then it’s good enough for rest of us to have one.
Stfu idiot 1000 of us will crush anyone that even tries to go up there listen and stay the fark away ok it’s maori not nz ok punks
Lol Maori = Polynesian + the tangata whenua who were here before the canoes.
Your paternal line is running its mouth while your maternal line is the one you should be listening to.
Go up there
Stay a week
Find out.
Yes, true already getting one group ready. We will take a lot of pictures
Totally agree.
It belongs to all new Zealanders. And we will keep it that way, what ever it takes
Totally agree
You realize the crown signed with Ngai Tahu on the recorded theft of land. Ngai Tahu asked for a 10% of the valuation of recorded stolen lands and they received a 5th of what they asked for. They also got all pounamu (greenstone) which they allowed all beach finds to go to all New Zealanders, all river pounamu was held for Ngai Tahu yet non Ngai Tahu can get permits From Ngai Tahu to work the stone. they also got Mount Aoraki (Cook) which they gifted back to all New Zealanders. They were also given the rights to the waterways (which they have yet to cut access) what would you have done if you got that in court.
so true everyone has had a guts full
July 2025.
DOC should be transparent and clarify what the issues are for closure of track. There’s no reason for secrecy.
Its Only a track in the bush after all
Then why are you worried if it’s only a track in New Zealand?
That should be patently clear!!!
Greedy greenstone that’s what it’s about
I could see this nonsense coming 40 year’s ago when Jeffery Palmer gave the treaty special treatment for a small group of people living in New Zealand, I have been warned people ever since, this is all part of a take over plan by radical racist part Māori activist.
Hahahaha really? I think you terribly wrong there buddy.
Absolutely, so some Maori can loot Greenstone without others seeing how they do it.
Probably diggers, diamond saws, helicopters etc. Remember what happened to Dave Saxton & Harvey Hutton at Haast. Fossicking is for all, follow the money.
Exactly right
💯 it’s all about the $$$$ from their so called green stone that they apparently own, all raw the green stone they sell on FB is a f..kin joke all tax free I bet….
Once again one very small group is dictating what the rest of us can do.
One country – one people – one planet – as far as I know there isn’t another – No sharing in some quarters and a vainglorious belief that only some have exclusivity to our planet; the land and ideologies steeped in mythology, expectation and greed. Interesting point of view but very narrow. We all are born, live and die on this planet the same way … or do some think that is not so? Eddy.
They find old Chinese city dating back to pre maori times
That’s where (I think) they built a highway through from the East Coast in the Great depression, which was never finished. Then they built Arthur’s pass instead. So probably plenty of more modern bones and stuff up there. My guess.
You can be sure that if what is supposed to be there turn’s out not to be Māori artefacts it will disappear without a trace.
Yeah more like the truth shane
Yep,it’s probably something like that. Something that proves maori weren’t here first. But they weren’t weren’t they. Moriori were.
Did they find Gaelic or Spanish artifacts?
They have found something up there that isn’t Maori and it’s older than Maori being here so it’s now tapu and no one is allowed there just like 100s of sights in good old New Zealand
Alien spaceship
Agree flatten the sign and carry on
Closing tracks without a word of explanation is a DoC specialty. Spare a thought for the denizens of the Far North. According to one local expert, a German lady who came to live in NZ for the outdoors life, about forty – 40! – tracks between Kaitaia and Kerikeri have vanished off the maps in her time here. In fact there are now NO nature walks in any direction for about 20 km around Kaitaia. Even the Herekino Hill section of Te Araroa Trail is closed down, as is the Kaitaia Walkway which used to connect to it from the north. And the reaons? They’re all kept very vague. Is it iwi, is it Kauri die-back, is it money? Meanwhile foreign hikers have to trudge along long sections of SH1 with no footpath, traffic thunders by, the ditches on both sides are deep, and to add insult to injury, the Far North District council sprays in these water-ways with glysophate, completely contrary to even the manufacturers’ advice. Welcome to Aotearoa!
Yea and where’s the media !
It’s happening in lots of places, tracks are closed with vague reasons and in places with co governance with n
Maintenance contracted out little or no maintenance is done, tracks are reverting to impassable scrub. Huts are being destroyed or burned ( for safety reasons!!)
This belongs to all NZ, not a special
Few.the rascis stance takenby DOC not agood for all concern tramping
Club and walkers.why do these things now appear.
The Arahura track is a great track why should they shut it because of the greenstone Ngai Tahu claim the river for themselves
They had no problem poisoning the entire Arahura Valley with aerial 1080. These people are not Maori they are charletons posing as Maori
You are correct.
Good onya Phil, tell it exactly how it is mate.
Typical
Another example of Maori preventing other kiwis from accessing beautiful back country which is the birthright of us all. An absolute no to co-governancc. Urawera,Eastern Bay of Plenty-East Cape. Parts of Northland, Coromandel as some examples of iwi exerting access denial on “cultural grounds”. Like many kiwis I’ve had a guts full of racist crap
Yes due for a referendum
I.w.i can get fukd.
Secrecy breeds distrust and division. Authorities should tell the truth and outline the plan, if there is one. Is there a high likelihood of people desecrating the site/s?
Just a question who does doc work for
Well said.
What hell ….next Iwi will be shutting the beaches. Notice it doesn’t say Trespassers will be prosecuted .
Exactly.The powers that be would have a hard job prosecuting anyone ” tresspassing” on public land.
Just walk around the sign.
Correct. No lawful explanation.
Exactly, use as fire wood for the camp fire.
Yet!
They have in the Catlins
Maybe they found proof of Chinese occupation that predates Maori.
Too much of this bullshit going on in New Zealand, we are free to roam and roam we shall!
Yup. I say walk it anyway.
It’s time to start fighting back. Don’t protest in the streets. It only makes a difference if we do it at source.
Worth going for a walk to see what actually is happening up there, if anything.
Didnt stop a new hut being built in lower arahura costing hundreds of thousands there was no issue then.
Typically of this culture that has crept in New Zealand of thatvwe now live in a dictatorship.
We do not.
Demand transparency
This is our country and we have the right to know what is truly going on
My thoughts exactly to Steve’s comment….is to ignore the sign breaking a law? If so I’m sure it wouldn’t result in a large fine or prison sentence.
My suggestion would be, don’t tell anyone prior, (take an inreach or PLB to avoid criticism on the ” safety aspect) take provisions as you would for any tramp) do NOT be tempted to turn your tramp into a hunting trip and take a firearm as you may well line yourself up for loosing your license and prosecution.
Take a like minded friend’- strength in numbers incase you are approached or your presence challenged…
And take your camera!
Good luck!
I think it is more likely that the rediscovery of a remote band of Homo floresiensis, quietly living in headwaters of the Arahura, is being kept from us. All the good people of Matamata will be very disappointed
Dock and government are involved and stealing all the pounamu minerals that’s why the tracks are being closed
Probably mining in there
Yes, as so obviously pointed out by the majority there appears to be a hidden agenda behind DOCs lack of transparency here. Carry on tramping….just make sure one carries the usual equipment to keep safe……we as NEW ZEALANDERS are sick of this bullshit !!
The Arahura track is not currently closed.
Please check the DOC website for all official notifications relating to track closures, issues or maintenance that is occurring.
Why can’t you people be honest and up front? All this secret rubbish is childish and not needed. We are adults not 5year olds.
Wow, what is this website? Or echo chamber, perhaps more accurate. I’m glad the ‘journalist’ was so attached to their article they included their name in the byline.. Oh wait. Also, how about asking Doc with a freedom of information request? Nah, let’s just ‘ask questions’.
It’s nice that racist muppet comment crew are the same type to post under their full name, makes it easier to spot people’s bias in the future.
Oh that’s right, it’s on your sleeves already. You cats are too easy to spot.
Go cry some more. Oh, well you’re all looking to be offended, so I suspect you’ll have no problems finding something else to cry about. As long as it has the word ‘Maori’ attached I’m sure you’ll all get nice and bothered.
That’s a bit rough, when the previous Labour government gave every second thing away, causing ongoing resentment. The mood on one side is entitled, on the other resentful.
What do YOU plan to recognise for the future, and why. I am sure not one of them feels threatened. In fact, you have given a lot away about yourself.
My first thought was did they do an OIA? If not, what idiots. Lots of hearsay and conjecture hear, no facts but a bucketload of racism.
Wow, these comments are why I don’t tread in the comments often. White fragility and colonial privilege out the gate. Moved here from the US to find peace of mind and space from this kind of hateful selfishness.
Conspiracy theories abound probley a rare bird kokako or huia
Wow, so many racist comments out there when nobody knows the actual reason!
This is no different than what has happened many times in the past as more evidence of pre Maori settlement is unearthed.
Maori were not first and Iwi are all too well aware of it, that is why archives are sealed for 6 decades at a time.
Article is fake to me.
Track and huts are free and open on the DOC website (DOC’s pretty good at closing tracks and huts, but also pretty good at telling that on their website). Picture on top of this article is not Arahura Valley (Looks AI to me), nor is the No Entry sign a DOC one.
We need more transparency and honesty from the people who’s wages we pay from our hard earned money
What’s to stop anyone going onto public land?
This is so some Maori can loot Greenstone without others seeing how they do it.
Probably diggers, diamond saws, helicopters etc. Remember what happened to Dave Saxton & Harvey Hutton at Haast. Fossicking is for all, follow the money.
Let’s have the truth. Firstly there were many people here before the pa building warrior Maori arrived. And the pa sites are hiding ancient architecture, great way to hide the truth disguised behind sacredness. If there is something ancient back there we will be lied to again for whose it is. The racism is this country will continue because we are being divided by a lie.
As long as the majority continues to be spineless, this will continue.
Does a government department concerning ‘conservation’ have legal authority to close off New Zealand countryside at will, for no given legitimate reason? That would be overreaching authoritarian power. We are not branded penned in cattle, we are people. Perhaps if more trampers continue freely enjoying ‘our’ country as humans tend to do then the reason will find its way to light. Politicians and petty officials need to start pulling their heads in – for citizen sensitivities. Goodbye National Party.
Sorry hun, the last government started the whole giveaway and co governance.
If you want to apportion blame , try Jacinda.
I would just walk round the sign actually most signs
Only an idiot would stop walking the trail.
Cultural sensitivities are a 2 way street and i say they have been too one way for too long.
Far_q them.
Look into the history of the Nga Tahi iwi and the Raupatu Claims on land Wahi Tapu, and the Maori Myths aren’t so myth the Skeletons in the cupboard documentry has alot on Excuvator Having to cover up finding of Gaint Bones found if they were burial sites or trees were another burial place with recent storms flooding things could have been disturbed that the Iwi felt they were ok to have Tourist, Hikers or the Everyday NZers walking. However people should just respect and if Bones of our ancestors killed by the British in the 1800 were found some over 500 in caves then this has alot of Tapu and to protect the public from Maori maate or Makutu then the iwi would need to pray over whatever has been unearthed and bless the whole site if moving them isn’t and option then the place should be closed. Watch Waka Nuku Rau TV series on the curse on a Maori man who is dead and walking amongst the world and the things that is effecting him. This could happen too anyone who isn’t from the Iwi and the Maori of this area are only trying to protect the public. Because for centuries we have been called mentally ill and other names and no Pakeha Doctors could cure us and we were given the white people drugs when made it worst because the so call Government Got rid of our Tohunga they were called witch doctors that scare the British people healers, the tohunga act instead of going of about Maori trying to keep people from the land look into our culture that you don’t learn in schools and research the area and Hapu and the history. What you find might surprise you and might make people see the truth behind the ignorance. Ko Huiarau by Hine Mihingarangi Forbes speaks on Maori culture that might surprise you. And the Eagle bird Bones. Because there has been alot of our Waka Been unearthed on beaches in rivers with strange Maori carving washing a shore last year. They will keep Maori burial site hush hush and protected from public like the one unearth in Opotiki Waiotahi Beach. When Big realstate brought up the beach access and put big flash houses up. The Tauranga east link and the Papamoa East alot of Maori woman slaughter along there now flash house and highway. Sit back be humble, you can choose to ignore the signs and go Hiking but the iwi are doing this for your own protect. You could end up with vengeful Maori spirits that have been disturbed following you home. If it is burial site found. Like the Deadland movie that burial cave with all the bone you demand to know those weren’t just made up stories learnt the history and you will know they don’t tell the public because it’s another thing the government has been hiding from there Shameful past on the amount of bloods spilled on these beautiful precious lands that is so picturest, for you all to be allowed to enjoy it.
I find the hateful comments about iwi rights and interests most distressing. Let us acknowledge the rights and interests of the first people of our land and share and learn more of their deep understanding of our land, the environment and our heritage of
SECOND people to walk the land .
Wow! While Im a keen “free ranging” tramper – and keen that access be restricted only for very good reasons – someone has to be “in charge” of such things. DoC is “it” here, so suck it up. The amout of (very) thily veiled racism here in these comments is quite breathtaking!
You are all a pack of racists,go back to your own country and bleat over there,where ever that may be ,fuck 1080
I am a 78years old a born NZ Kiwi lets get rid of all this RACIL crap and get on with life if there is a track walk the bloody thing look after it
I lived on the west coast for many years and hope the young ones can enjoy it as much i have without any more bull shit
Yo everyone. The sign says no entry. Not closed or restricted area. Just enter on the track in a different direction, as there will be no signs there .
We are never going to get the truth from a large group of dictators.
Can almost bet it is more Celtic finds just like up North, pre dates Maori and the entire status quo and gets labeled “tapu” and the government just sweep it under the rug, restrict access and block it off.
This comment section is hateful and racist. Having an opinion is one thing, but half of you don’t even have valid points. Just word vomit
History will show that tipene o,Regan was one of the most successful con men ever and nz socialists the biggest sucker’s.