‘Stay on track’ at Aoraki/Mount Cook

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  03 December 2025

DOC is installing security cameras to try and deter visitors from accessing closed sections of the popular Hooker Valley Track where a new suspension bridge is being constructed, after repeated incidents of people breaching closed areas.

Staff and contractors working on the new 189-metre suspension bridge are seeing visitors repeatedly ignoring safety barriers and gates restricting access to the upper section of the track, sometimes 15-20 people a day. The site is a construction zone with explosive work being carried out, the use of heavy machinery as well as helicopters flying materials in.

Contractors working on the new bridge are having to ‘down tools’ to tell people to leave the site, disrupting their work. On one recent occasion, they had to stop a helicopter concrete pour to tell walkers to leave the area.

DOC Operations Manager for Aoraki/Mount Cook, Sally Jones, says there are signs at the Whitehorse Hill car park, and on the track warning people not to go past barriers, and yet some visitors are ignoring them, and pleading ignorance when approached.

“People are taking real risks by climbing fences, and in some cases, even attempting to cross the Hooker River – its bloody freezing let alone fast and furious! They’re doing this all to get to the closed Hooker Bridge which is not safe.”

Sally says there has been more erosion of the riverbank holding the piles for the old bridge, further increasing risk of its failure.

“People are putting their lives at risk. We all want the new suspension bridge on the Hooker Track open as soon as possible, and the construction workers need to be able to get on with the job without having to worry about the public.”

Sally Jones says as it’s a restricted access site, trespass notices may be issued.

“We just want visitors to respect the information we are giving them. Staying on tracks in general is important as our environment can be very challenging and we want people to have a safe trip.

“We sometimes see visitors putting themselves at risk to get that one photo, near a drop-off or way off track. People can also trample over the unique and precious alpine vegetation and don’t seem to notice what they are destroying.

“Naturing means respecting and valuing the uniqueness of what we have here, while also having a great visitor experience.”

Sally Jones says as well as the bridge construction, there are several other operations being carried out in the park this summer including a Te Manahuna Aoraki Project (TMAP) and ZIP (Zero Invasive Predators) pest elimination operation which will involve temporary closures of the Tasman Valley Road and lower Hooker Track from the first suspension bridge while the aerial operations are carried out.

“We want to ensure there is minimal disruption to people’s plans. To keep up to date with alerts, please check the Aoraki/Mount Cook section of the DOC website. There are plenty of other walks in the park which have spectacular views of Aoraki including Kea Point, Sealy Tarns and lovely nature walks like through Bowen Bush and the Governors Bush walk.”

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MIL OSI