Good News! DOC have sent us the following message:

I'm pleased to advise that both the Edwards Valley and Maling Pass 4WD tracks into St James Conservation Area are now open from Saturday 1 October 2011. Please note that the Maling Pass Track still has some snow and ice in places so caution and care required on this track - take chains with you. Both tracks could still be closed anytime in wet weather.

Please register on-line for the combination codes:
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/canterbury/north-canterbury-and-arthurs-pass/st-james-conservation-area/activities/motor-vehicle-access/

We will refresh the e-mail contact list for updates each season, so should you wish to receive any further updates about St James, you will need to tick the relevant box and provide your e-mail address when you register to take your vehicle in this season.

We hope you have an enjoyable time in there.

For those that don't know the background to this... WWNZ ran a trial trip at Labour Weekend 2009 with a DoC observer. All on the trip agreed that the upper Waiau is one of, if not the best two day trip in NZ. It's certainly unique in Canterbury and New Zealand, and it's up there with the Landsborough, Waiatoto and the Mokihinui two day runs. The rapids are long and varied. I think it's a world class run, and we need to ensure that not only that it stays that way, but also that we can access the run without helicopters, and be able to catch the flows at any time of the year.

Hazards (on Labour Weekend 2009)

1. A wire fence near the Ada confluence will be lifted by DoC shortly. It's on a Grade 1 stretch and is very hard to see, but easy to avoid.

2. A derelict wire suspension bridge - easy to see, but harder to avoid in higher flows just as you emerge onto a wider section approaching Glenhope Station and the State Highway. Local paddlers are investigating the legal status and who should be responsible for removing this hazard. This bridge is easy to see but may be a real hazard in high flows/strong winds. The easiest path is near the L bank.