Marlborough

From 10 May to late June 2026 an ungulate control operation is occurring on public conservation and private land from Lochmara Bay to the south side of Endeavour Inlet in Queen Charlotte Sound. View a map of the operation area (JPEG, 228K) The operation is targeting deer, goats and pigs using both thermal imaging technology to aerial shoot from a helicopter and ground hunting teams with indicator dogs. If you are in this area during these dates, be aware there could be noise from a helicopter and rifle shots. Signs will be in place at key points of entry advising on the operation. Safety protocols exist for target identification so there is no danger to you being in this area while the operation is undertaken, although off track travel is not recommended.

Davies Road is closed due to storm damage, there are no other vehicle access points available. Contractors are working to fix the road.

Onamalutu Campsite is closed due to construction work. Work is underway to put the old powerlines underground. 

From 10 May until mid-June 2026 a deer control operation is scheduled for Oruawairua/Blumine Island using thermal imaging technology to aerially shoot from a helicopter. If you are visiting this island be aware there could be noise from a helicopter and rifle shots. Warning signs will be erected at normal access points. Safety protocols exist for target identification so there is no danger to you being on this island while the operation is undertaken, although off track travel is not advised.

A large boulder has come down onto the road, approximately 1 km from Greigs Hut, blocking vehicle-access. Drivers should exercise caution as the road narrows. Turning around/parking may be difficult. There is foot/bike access past the boulder.

Nelson City Council will be conducting aerial herbicide control of wilding conifers in the Roding catchment (northeast of Mt Mears), adjacent to Mt Richmond Forest Park. A helicopter will apply herbicide directly to individual wilding conifer trees over several days from 24 April 2026. The Herbicide Grazon (active ingredient: triclopyr), mixed with biodiesel, will be delivered from a hovering helicopter to the tops of targeted trees. People heading off-track, including hunters and trampers, should be aware of helicopter activity in the area during this period and exercise caution.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand will be holding an event at Whites Bay beach on Saturday 14 November 2026, from 11 am to 4 pm.

Wilding conifer control is taking place in Molesworth Recreation Reserve using a combination of aerial and ground methods. Ground control work will take place on the true right of Saxton (including Team Stream), Yarra River and around Tarndale.  Operation area map (PDF, 8,811K). 

The powered sites at Onamalutu Campsite are not currently available to use.

An aerial spraying operation targeting wilding pines in the Mt Fyffe area is taking place from  2 June until late June 2026.  The helicopter will be operating from nearby to the Mt Fyffe Hut. Visitors are asked to keep clear of the landing zone.