The photos, all taken on January 2 at the Blue Pools near Makarora, depict a busy day at the site despite the closure of the two suspension bridges normally used to access the pools.
One photo shows seven people standing on the Blue Pools Bridge, which was abruptly closed in May last year after Doc announced major maintenance work was required.
Central Otago operations manager Nicola Holmes said anyone accessing either the Blue Pools or nearby Makarora bridges was bypassing clear safety measures that had been implemented, including signage and gates barring entry to the bridges.
"We’ve been disappointed at the number of people ignoring the signs and continuing to go on the bridges," she said.
"Doc staff have witnessed several instances over the summer where several people have been on the bridges, and vandalism to the gates which are there to protect people."
Ms Holmes said Doc would continue to have a presence at the bridges to "inform and educate people" about the site’s current state.
While river crossings to access the Blue Pools were not prohibited, Ms Holmes said they were a "dangerous activity which we do not recommend for all members of the public".
"As with all tracks, people make their own decisions based on their abilities and the conditions they are confronted with."
When approached for comment, a representative of the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council said they encouraged "walkers to follow Doc’s advice".
While most refer to the closure of the bridges and the necessity of making a river crossing to access the site, others were not so easily discouraged.
"Bridge is out, but you can jump on to it if you’re a risk-taker," said one review, posted to the popular website All Trails by a user yesterday.
Photos and videos posted to Facebook and Instagram in recent weeks show several people accessing the bridges, including some who use the Blue Pools bridge to jump into the water below.
The manager of Makarora’s Wonderland Lodge, who asked not to be named, said while they had encountered several "irate" customers disappointed by the bridge closure, it was clear the Blue Pools was still a popular destination for visitors.
"I had a guest here, a few weeks back, who said there were over 50 people at the Blue Pools."
"It’s not just like one person every now and again.
"People are doing it in their droves on good days when the water isn’t too high."
"People are people and they’re going to.
"They’re going to go across, it’s as simple as that — if they can."
