TRM still receive regular comments and questions on the closing of the blue Pool access road. Unfortunately TRM are not consulted for such matters. Most anglers are concerned that the permanent nature of the installation is such that there is no way they would go to that trouble or expense for a “temporary” gate (?).
i.e. typical inmates comment: I notice there have been no complaints about the closing of the access to the Blue pool etc. People are under the mistaken impression that when logging is finished they will reopen the road. Forest managers never open any road they close. Welcome to the future…
The gate has now been installed and the notice confirms the road access will be closed from 9 October. The question everyone is asking is for how long?
When we inquired with the “authorities” we did not get a reply – not unusual – but others were more fortunate. Following “official” (?) comment was from DOC –
Note the last para emphasised in red bold print… Watch this space…
“The first point to make is that there is no easement for public access in place along the footprint of the Blue Pool Access track, and never has been, so to date access for anglers or other users has been at the generosity of the landowners and managers.
For clarity, it isn’t a legal road at all, rather an access track which was until recently maintained by the Department of Corrections so that anglers, wider public and the rafting companies could access the upper Tongariro. With the closure of the prison, the land was offered to Iwi for purchase and subsequently the Blue Pool access way is now on private land. There was no easement for public access put in place during the sale process, which means any future public access will be subject to the agreement of the land owners. Previously the Department of Corrections maintained the access, and more latterly the current landowners has continued to allow public access.
The upcoming closure period is intended to allow for forest harvesting to take place. NZ Forest Managers, who are contracted to manage access and forestry activity on behalf of the landowners, have advised the access will be gated in the next week or two, so that the forest blocks alongside the road can be harvested. It’s important to manage access while the harvesting takes place, due to the HSE hazard this represents. We are advised that the harvesting will take up to 6 weeks, during which time the road will be closed to the public. Rafting companies will be allowed to come and go on a schedule, but all other access, including by foot will be prohibited.
With regards to access for anglers, they can continue to access the river upstream of Red Hut on the true right bank, and in normal flows there is reasonable foot access as far as the Boulder Pool.
Long term angler access is secured under the Maori Land Amendment and Maori Land Claims Adjustment Act 1926 along both banks up to the current Fence Pool.
It is my hope after the forest blocks are harvested, access for the general public along the blue pool vehicle track will be restored, but in the event it isn’t the Fishery will work to ensure there is foot access for anglers on the true left bank from the Poutu Pool upstream to the Fence Pool by way of a new track network.
Dave Conley
Operations Manager Taupo Fishery
Turangi Office | Central North Island Region
G Level 1, 69 Town Centre, Turangi 3330
E 027 4657803 or (07) 384 7116
Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai www.doc.govt.nz
The matter will be discussed at the next Taupo Fishing Advisory Committee (TFAC).
Needless to say TRM bikes rental rates will increase significantly for non guests over the period of road closure. Indeed, the increased level of inquiries suggest they may only be available free of charge for inmates.
