Photo: Greater Wellington Regional Council
Wellington regional parks Baring Head and Parangarahu Lakes are being temporarily closed to the public due to extreme fire danger.
Greater Wellington is prohibiting access from Friday, 16 February.
Greater Wellington eastern parks team leader Ricky Clarkson said the closure of the two large areas of the regional park were a precautionary measure.
The eastern coastline was exposed and extremely dry at this time of year, Clarkson said.
"The risk of fire catching and becoming uncontrollable could become a reality, and if the wind picks up, Eastbourne is very vulnerable," Clarkson said.
"Attempting to enter the park at this time would be dangerous. We are asking visitors to avoid these areas for their safety."
It was also important for people to be aware of their surroundings, Clarkson said.
"We've had two fires in our regional parks in recent weeks. It's important when visiting any of our regional parks that you know where you are and the exit routes available to you."
Hutt City Council has also closed Pencarrow Coast Road via Burdan's Gate until further notice.
But private landowners will continue to have access through Burdan's Gate, and the Northern Forest area of the East Harbour Regional Park remains open.