Tsunami Advisory – Strong & Unusual Currents Expected. Following a magnitude 8.7 earthquake near Kamchatka, Russia, a National Advisory has been issued for coastal areas of Aotearoa New Zealand, including those along and near the Hauraki Rail Trail. If you're out riding or exploring today, please take extra care around rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas. Strong and unpredictable currents and surges may occur, making conditions dangerous. Stay out of the water, keep clear of beaches, rivers, and shorelines, and avoid harbours, marinas, and estuaries. Even if the weather seems calm, these unusual conditions can pose a serious risk to anyone near the water. Please stay safe and follow official updates from civildefence.govt.nz and the National Emergency Management Agency. If you are planning to ride over the next few days, please check the weather prior to leaving. Heavy rain and strong winds may bring trees down. Please contact us via Facebook or email if you come across any hazards.
The Owharoa Bridge at Waitawheta Road is currently closed whilst urgent repairs are undertaken. The period of closure is from 20 May - 10 June 2019.
Although works will continue until 10 June, the bridge will be OPEN for the Queen's Birthday long weekend.
The closure of the bridge affects riders wanting to travel between Waihi/Waikino to Karangahake. Riders will still be able to access Victoria Battery/Falls Retreat and Owharoa Falls from the Waikino/Waihi side of the trail.
Riders wanting to ride the tunnel section from Paeroa, or Karangahake will not be able to cross the bridge to reach the Owharoa Falls.
Shuttle Service available at other times
We have received enquiries as to whether riders can take the Gorge road from Owharoa heading north, and get back onto the trail at the tunnel exit bridge.
In light of the bridge closure, and inherent danger of riders wanting to use the roading network which is extremely dangerous in this 5km zone, we have organised a shuttle service between the points as follows:
Shuttle operating Saturdays and Sundays - 25/26 May and the following weekend if work has not finished. The shuttle will run from 10.00am to 3.30pm.
Depart on the hour from Karangahake Hall from 10.00am
Depart on the half hour from Owharoa Falls from 10.30am
Last Shuttle 3.30pm from Owharoa Falls
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