Gorge Creek Airstrip

The closure was most likely due to economic and operational reasons. The specific need for the strip, such as for agricultural aviation (top-dressing), deer recovery operations, or private use by the landowner, likely ceased. With the larger and better-equipped Haast Aerodrome (NZHT) serving the region's general aviation and tourism needs, small private strips often become redundant and economically unviable to maintain and keep registered.

Based on current satellite imagery, the physical airstrip remains clearly visible as a long, mown grass strip on private farmland next to the Haast River. However, it shows no signs of active aviation use. There are no runway markings, windsocks, hangars, or other aviation infrastructure present. The land has effectively reverted to being part of the surrounding pasture, though its historical purpose as a runway is still evident from its shape and alignment.

Gorge Creek Airstrip was a typical example of the many private, rural airfields that were critical to the development and servicing of remote New Zealand. Its primary role would have been to support the farming operations on the station where it was located. It was likely used by fixed-wing aircraft for agricultural purposes, transporting supplies, and providing access for the landowner. Given its location in South Westland, it may also have played a role during the peak of the deer recovery industry (venison hunting from the air), a defining chapter of New Zealand's aviation history from the 1960s onwards.

There are no known public plans or prospects for reopening Gorge Creek Airstrip as a registered airfield. Its future is entirely at the discretion of the private landowner. Given the operational capabilities of the nearby Haast Aerodrome (NZHT), it is highly unlikely that there would be any commercial or regulatory demand to reinstate this small, private strip.