Risk for Beach Road North walkers managed by new fencing

Published on 11 December 2025

Erosion hotspots to be fenced along closed Beach Road

Sections of the current closed Beach Road will be fenced to direct walkers away from erosion hotspots on the road.

Waitaki District Council is mindful of the increasing number of walkers and cyclists who use the road for exercise, commuting or dog-walking along the coastline, and its responsibility as the owner to ensure hazards and risks are reduced.

Around 450m of fencing, across multiple sections, will be put in place along the 2.8km closed section. This fencing will run along the centre line where possible to direct walkers and cyclists away from certain areas.

Contractors will use three-wire waratahs and strainer posts at each end, which will be reusable if they are removed in future.

The Mayor and Councillors have not made a final decision about the future of Beach Road North, and a report detailing costs of options – including reopening the road, a partial reinstatement, or making it a permanent walking and cycleway - will be presented to them in 2026.

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz