obee replied:

It has been raining a lot and I expect the shortcut is boggy. I chanced it through there once when it was wet and next time when it was dry we could see how deep the ruts had been. I think I was lucky to get through when it was wet. Very scenic but.

If you keep to the high route no probs. The tracks are shown on the Natmap series. Only problem on the beach would be when the tides are high. We went down the beach once and turned inland to carry on to Grey and Cervantes. We kept up high where everyone else had been. Last time we barely got over a sandhill that had eroded badly from the wind. The high inland road is very rocky and slow but worth the effort I thought.

They should have the shortcut signed or the tyre with Wedge on it pushed over if its too boggy. I have seen it done but no guarrantees I guess.

Owen