The second bridge on the Hooker Valley Track has been affected by riverbank erosion from wind and rain events over the past few years and is also susceptible to heavy snowfall.
Doc staff and engineers have been closely monitoring riverbank erosion at the bridge, and following the recent heavy rain at Easter, the bridge was closed.
"We’ve been managing the second bridge for the past couple of years, adding micro piling and other measures but continued erosion of the riverbank, with the prospect of more heavy rain and snow loading this winter, we have made the decision to close the bridge permanently," Doc asset management director Shan Baththana said.
Doc Aoraki/Mount Cook operations manager Sally Jones said while it was disappointing to have to close the bridge, public safety was Doc’s No 1 priority.
The walk up the Hooker Valley is closed temporarily until access to the lower part of the track is secured and a new suspension bridge is built.
"Walking up the Hooker Valley to see Aoraki and staying at the popular Hooker Hut is a highlight for many visitors and the temporary closure of the track will disrupt plans.
"But public safety is always No 1.
"We’re now focused on securing the site so we can reopen the lower section of the track as soon as possible."
A new 189m-long suspension bridge was being built on the Hooker Valley Track, she said.
Once complete, it will be the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the country — and a remarkable way to safely experience the power and beauty of this landscape.
One of New Zealand’s best day hikes, Hooker Valley Track is used by about half a million visitors annually and is the most popular visitor attraction in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Work had already started on the bridge project with track building around the site. The aim is to have it open in autumn next year.
The number of visitors was increasing to the national park but a worrying trend was emerging.
"We’re seeing visitors going off track through fragile vegetation and rocky terrain," Ms Jones said.
"This not only causes lasting damage to the environment — it also puts people at real risk.
"The landscape here is breathtaking but unforgiving.
"We ask everyone to think carefully about where they’re walking and climbing, and to stick to marked tracks for their own safety and to help protect this special place for others." — APL
