Partial Re-Opening of Lake Taupo Forest for Owner Access - 1st April 2023
The Lake Taupo Forest Trust and NZFM are aware of how important access to the forest is to many owners and while the clean up from Cyclone Gabrielle remains ongoing and significant, part of the forest will be open for access to owners from Saturday 1st April 2023.
The northern half of Lake Taupo Forest will re-open with access available during normal winter access hours - weekdays from 4pm-8pm and on weekends from 7am-8pm.
While the southern half of the forest sustained the most significant damage, there is still some damage in the northern half and some minor roads and tracks are likely to be blocked by trees. All major roads have been cleared of fallen trees. Standing trees may have been compromised by the cyclone and a heightened risk of tree fall exists throughout the forest.
Everyone who accesses the forest is required to renew their access fob key, at which time you’ll be asked to read and sign that you understand the new risks in the forest and new access conditions that are required. These are:
Permit holders are not to enter wind damaged stands. The stands we know are damaged can be seen here.
Do not park near wind damaged trees or on roads adjacent to wind damaged stands.
Be aware that some weekend work, including trucking, may still be taking place in and around the forest.
If you come across a road blocked by fallen trees, DO NOT attempt to clear roads using a chainsaw as the trees may be under tension and cause injury. Instead - note the road name, approximate location, and report to NZFM here.
From Wednesday, 29 March 2023, owners will be able to visit the NZFM office in Turangi or the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board office in Taupō to update their fob keys and confirm their agreement to the above conditions of entry. You will also be provided with a map clarifying which areas of Lake Taupō Forest are available for owner access.
The Kiko Road firewood yard will also be re-opened for owners from 1 April 2023.
The situation in the forest remains quite fluid as the cyclone response continues to develop and the extent of salvage work increases. This could potentially require changes to the owner access arrangements over upcoming months. Updates will continue to be provided here and on the Lake Taupo Forest Trust’s website and Facebook page.
A full update from the Lake Taupo Forest Trust, including a video update, can be found on their website here.