Rapaki Track reopens in time for Christmas

Rapaki Track in the Port Hills was reopened this morning for public use.

Christchurch City Council Transport and Greenspace Unit Manager Alan Beuzenberg says this is good news for the city, but reminds track users that hazards still exist in the hills so they should take care.

Rapaki Track was closed following the 22 February earthquake. Since then, Christchurch City Council Park Rangers have been working with geotechnical engineers to identify hazards such as rockfall or track structure damage, and have been mitigating these hazards. As a result, the Rapaki track can now open for track users.

The Council wishes to remind people using tracks on the Port Hills that there is still an element of risk following the earthquakes and many tracks remain closed. While the Council has recently removed the ‘closed’ signs on the Rapaki track, it wants track users to realise that there may be hazards such as loose rocks and an increased risk of rock fall as a result of the earthquakes.

“We are pleased to reopen the Rapaki track to the public. There are many people who use this track for mountain biking or walking, so it’s great to be able to reopen their natural playground after so many months,” says Mr Beuzenberg.

“We ask that they use their common sense while on the track, stay safe and adhere to the signage.”

“In the natural environment it is not possible to remove all elements of risk and people need to be aware that even though the tracks are close to the City edge, they may be as dangerous as tracks in the backcountry because of the terrain they cover,” he says.

Some Council tracks and parks remain closed on the Port Hills because the facilities are in the process of being made safe for public use. The Council recommends track users acknowledge and respect the signage that conveys this message.

The Council would like to remind the public that any new earthquake or severe weather events could result in the re-closure of tracks due to hazard risks, so please check www.ccc.govt.nz/trackstatus for regular updates.