An aerial shot shows initial emergency remedial works in the days following the June landslide that washed out part of Wilmott Pass Road in Fiordland. Photo: Supplied / DOC
A popular Fiordland school camp has closed its doors to overnight stays due to the threat of landslides.
Staying at the Deep Cove camp and hostel has been a rite of passage for school children around the lower South Island since the 1970s.
But in June, heavy rainfall triggered a landslide, with large debris washing out part of Wilmott Pass Road, damaging buildings and blocking an important culvert.
Early geotechnical findings showed a significant risk that more heavy rain could trigger landslides, sending debris towards the camp.
Department of Conservation Southland South Island operations director Aaron Fleming said both DOC and the Deep Cove Outdoor Education Trust, which runs the hostel, were not comfortable having people continue to stay overnight.
"We understand this closure will be disappointing news for those who have fond memories of their experiences there, and those who were looking forward to future camps, but safety has to come first," Fleming said.
DOC was working with geotechnical engineers to find out more about the risks and possible ways to mitigate them so the camp could be reopened safely, he said.
"This work is expected to take some time to complete and requires further detailed assessments of the site."
Trust chairman Mike MacManus said the decision was not made lightly, but visitor safety was their first priority.
"As a trust, our focus is on the young people who attend and love our camps at Deep Cove, and they are the reason we do what we do."
The trust was speaking with schools who might be impacted by the closure, while DOC had contacted other affected businesses and people.
"In this situation we are very pleased to be working with the experienced team at DOC Te Anau, and industry experts, and have confidence in reaching a timely resolution."
