Glider Road remains closed to all vehicle and recreation access for safety reasons.

Over the past decade there have been a number of minor slips which have been cleared within a fortnight.

“The current situation, caused by the heavy rain in May, is more complex, with several issues needing to be addressed and as a result the road will remain closed,” says Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis.

“We have commissioned a geotechnical report to get a better understanding of the challenges and options,” says Alec.

"We have previously reopened the road in a relatively short time, but the severity of the slips and the potential safety implications for the public mean this closure will be for a longer period.”

The preliminary investigations from the geotechnical engineers show significant and unstable slips above and below the road.

The terrain around Glider Road, originally a farm track, upgraded for forestry access, is incredibly steep, which adds its own complications. While Council will be undertaking replanting of the area next month following harvesting in 2023 the area is exposed to rain, sun, and wind.

“We’ve had a lot of heavy rain events of late and that’s meant the road’s been closed more than it’s been open recently,” says Alec.

From a recreational perspective, Council understands this will impact on certain groups including the Hang Glider Club. Council is in conversation with these groups to look at alternatives.

The popular Involution track remains open as a 2-way walking and cycling route. Other surrounding tracks including Scout Track, Widdershins, Piwakawaka and the Loop/Weir tracks are all open too with work planned over coming months to fix some of the smaller water related issues on those lower tracks.

“Council wants to make it clear to the public, nearby residents and recreational users of Glider Road that we understand the significance of this situation,” says Alec.

“All possible solutions will be evaluated from a cost and time perspective before remedial works are considered and we ask for patience as we work through this process.”

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