FAQs
Whakatomotomo Road/Logging Road (to Tauanui River): No landowner contact required. Turn left approximately 5 km along Whakatomotomo Road onto Logging Road. Forestry gate (locked) after 3 km. Walking access only from forestry gate up the Tauanui River to Tauanui Hut.
Makotukutuku Stream: (Washpool Hut) Permission required from Farman Turkington Forestry +64 274 48 8810
Pararaki Stream, Pararaki Hut: Permission required from Mr W. Jephson, Palliser Bay Station Ph: +64 6 307 8210. Please state the number in your party.
Ngapotiki /Stonewall area: Walking access only from White Rock Road and Cape Palliser lighthouse via the foreshore.
Will the bylaw allow me to access the foreshore for surfing or other recreation?
The foreshore is accessible from the carpark, where you can walk to the surf.
Will the bylaw allow access to the DOC land via the paper road?
No, you will not be able to access the DOC land via the paper road. There are, alternate routes (information located of DOC website);
When crossing private land, contact with the landowner as required:
How can the public or organisations/groups request access to the paper road?
Contacting the Council in the first instance will allow us to pass your request onto the landowners and seek their approval to access the paper road.
How long will this Bylaw be in place?
The term of three (3) years is significantly shorter than most bylaws to allow the land to rest and for open dialogue to remain with all parties, in relation to any possible access in the future.
After this time the bylaw will be reviewed by the Council and landowners, with discussions planned around the possibility of allowing pedestrian access once the bylaw term concludes, balancing public interest with the need to protect the land from further damage.
What are the Health and Safety concerns being addressed?
The bylaw highlights serious health and safety concerns associated with public access to the Cape Palliser paper road, including unstable terrain, coastal erosion, fire risk from camping, and biosecurity threats. The lack of formed pathways and infrastructure increases the risk of injury, and ongoing conservation work further complicates safe access. These risks support the need for restricted access to protect both visitors and the integrity of the land.
Will Emergency Response have access if required?
Should there be an emergency response needed in relation to a Civil Deference Emergency Management emergency response and recovery, the landowners can give access (with consultation), which is deemed appropriate by the Council. A set of keys to the gate will be left with the Fire Bagade should they need to access the area for an emergency or fire.
Who are the landowners?
Department of Conservation, Mātakitaki Trust Jacquelyn L Middleton and Hairata N Tahona are the registered owners of the land surrounding the Paper Road.