Free permits for the public to collect wood left over from logging operations became available from the Waitaki District Council on June 30.
Parks officer Mike Kwant said there had been a high uptake and permits were now available only for the last two weeks.
''I go up there every day for an audit and there's usually about half a dozen people [or cars] up there,'' Mr Kwant said.
The permits are valid for one week (Monday to Sunday, 8am to 5pm) and are restricted to firewood for personal use. The firewood cannot be sold.
Permit holders are being checked to ensure they are complying with safety and other conditions.
Mr Kwant said there had been some ''patchy'' compliance, but overall firewood collectors had been demonstrating safe practices.
He said collection had become a recreational activity for some, with families enjoying picnics in the area before collecting wood.
The opportunity will last until a second phase of harvesting begins early next month to remove trees which had been left for their amenity value.
The additional harvesting has come as a result of strong winds, sustained wet conditions and waterlogged soils which have severely tested the tenacity of the remaining trees on Cape Wanbrow.
There may be another opportunity for the public to collect firewood after the second phase, Mr Kwant said.
Permits are free and can be collected from the council office in Thames St.
