Source: Department of Conservation
Date: 11 July 2023
The two quad bikes were seen on the Wilkies Pools Track on the southern side of the mountain in late May.
Subsequent investigations by DOC have seen staff come up empty-handed, so they are releasing pictures of the riders and calling on the public to help identify them.
A witness walking on the Wilkies Pools Track at the time was surprised to hear the quad bikes on the narrow track. The visitor and their family had to move off the trail to let them past.
The witness supplied a statement to DOC and voiced a concern one rider appeared intoxicated.
DOC is asking for help to identify the quad riders in this image.
Image: DOC
One quad bike was blue. The woman rider was described as having dyed blonde hair with ginger in it, and was wearing a blue puffer jacket. An older woman was on the back of the bike. The other bike was red and ridden by a male, wearing a hoodie fleece type jumper and a beanie.
The witness and their family later came across the bikes stuck along the trail and, not able to get past safely, they had to turn back.
They had alerted the DOC Ranger on duty at the Visitor Centre who took photos as the group returned down the trail. The riders responded aggressively, and the ranger locked themselves in the Visitor Centre for safety.
DOC Senior Ranger Biodiversity Cameron Hunt says going public with the information and image is a course of action to identify the people so enforcement action can be taken.
“These people were showing total disregard for the safety of other track users and the environment.
“They behaved aggressively to a DOC staff member who felt very concerned for their safety.”
Taking a vehicle into Egmont National Park (proposed to be known as Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki) is not permitted under the park’s bylaw and offenders can face fines up to $500.
Anyone with any information can contact DOC Senior Ranger Biodiversity Cameron Hunt by phoning: +64 27 246 1083 or by email: chunt@doc.govt.nz.
