Glacier access road reopen

Wayne Costello
Wayne Costello
The Department of Conservation has delivered an early Christmas present to Fox Glacier by reopening the glacier access road and walking track, which had been closed because of flood damage in early November.

The Fox River was blocked by a large debris flow, which also seriously damaged the access road.

Doc South Westland operations manager Wayne Costello said yesterday the massive landslip at the head of Mills Creek causing all the issues was still very active and was being closely monitored.

''We expect that future heavy rain events will cause further movement of the landslide and will mobilise more large debris flows that could once again destroy the access into the glacier valley.''

''Despite the active landslip, Doc and NZTA decided to reinstate access to the glacier valley this time, and work to repair the road and track has been under way since the start of December,'' Mr Costello said.

''It's great that the team have had a good run with the weather and that we have been able to re-establish access to the Fox Glacier valley for the busiest time of year here in glacier country.''

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