Waitaki District Council would like to provide an update regarding the rock-fall and slip between SH83 and Settlement Road on the Livingstone-Duntroon Road. The road is currently closed. The duration of this closure is unknown due to factors explained below.
A 30 to 40 metre section of the cliff on the east side of the road has collapsed, which has led to the blocking of the road and Alps to Ocean trail, by rock and vegetation.
The site was assessed for safety risks by drone and a geotech engineer yesterday.
There are currently a number of precarious boulders and sections of rock remaining with the potential for further slips and falls.
This fall was not caused by a rainfall event, or by geological activity such as a quake or tremor.
With that in mind, simply clearing the material on the road would not be appropriate until the causes have been determined, and action taken to secure or remove the remaining collapsed boulders and rock.
The cliff itself is property of Ngāi Tahu, and the land behind it privately owned. It is also close to the Maerewhenua Rock Art Site, one of the UNESCO Whitestone Geopark sites.
Council, stakeholders and contractors are partnering with Ngāi Tahu to assess any historic or cultural significance, and preserve any carvings or rock art within the fall area.
We will continue to provide further updates as information become available.
Diversions
- The A2O is currently being rerouted along Earthquakes Road to rejoin the trail beyond the rock-fall site. This is not a sealed road, so motor vehicle traffic is discouraged.
- Road traffic is encouraged to take the Georgetown – Ngapara road as a diversion to reach Elephant Rocks, Livingstone and other areas usually accessible by the Duntroon-Livingstone Road.
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