Following last weekend's flash flood in the Waitākere Ranges a number of tracks will remain closed this weekend and through next week, and the public are being urged to stay away.
The Falls Road gate is locked and areas that are closed to the public are as follows:
- Auckland City Walk
- CascadeTrack
- Upper Kauri Track
- Fenceline Track and access from the dam face of the Waitakere Dam Walk
- Smyth RidgeTrack
- Ridge Road Track
- Long Road Track
- Whatatiti Track from Long Road
Other tracks into the area were previously closed as part of the council’s kauri dieback management plan and remain closed. These are Andersons track, Wainamu Bush track, Pukematekeo track and West Tunnel Mouth track.
“Due to the extent of the damage, and in the interests of public safety, we are keeping the tracks closed at the Cascade Kauri end of the ranges, including tracks that lead into the area. Our park rangers have put up closure signs and danger tape to alert the public to areas that are unsafe," says Stephen Bell, Auckland Council’s Western Principal Ranger.
“A significant amount of water came down the Cascade Stream last weekend, destroying the lower suspension bridge and damaging another bridge further along the Auckland City Walk.
“This week staff have been reviewing these tracks and other structures to determine what is required to get the repair work done, and when areas may be able to reopen. This will take some time and we’re urging the public to stay clear of the areas that have been closed off."
For updates on track closures for kauri protection visit our website.
