Source: Department of Conservation
Date: 28 November 2024
Dirt bikers, quad bikes, and other vehicles are a safety risk on tracks designated for walking and/or cycling, and the recent harassment of a DOC ranger has brought the issue to a head in the southern Ruapehu area.
On Monday 18 November, DOC rangers approached two people who were illegally riding their dirt bikes on the heritage listed Old Coach Road, near Ohakune.
When the rangers explained motorised vehicles are not allowed on the track, the riders became hostile, swearing and gesturing.
One rider started doing wheelies and attempting to push a ranger toward the railway barrier with the front wheel. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Ultimately the pair raced back up the Old Coach Road, leaving the shocked rangers to report the incident to police.
DOC Supervisor Danial Van der Lubbe says although this incident was an exception, all heavy motorised vehicles on paths like this put visitors at risk.
“The Old Coach Road is a family friendly track for walking or mountain biking, petrol-powered vehicles are not allowed for both safety and heritage reasons.”
It is an offence under the Tongariro National Park Bylaws 1981 to drive a vehicle, including dirt bikes and quad bikes, on walking and mountain-biking tracks.
“We’ve seen multiple cases in Tongariro, and across the country, of people thinking they can rip up tracks and endanger visitors, it’s not on,” says Dan.
He adds, “Dirt biking, off-roading, these activities can be great fun in the right places. Check the DOC website for where they can be used on public conservation land.”
DOC encourages people to report any suspected illegal off-roading on public conservation land to the DOC Hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
