Improvement work by Auckland Council on walking tracks across the Tāmaki Makaurau region continues to forge ahead.
“We are delighted with how we are progressing”, says Stu Leighton, Auckland Council’s Senior Ranger Regional Parks Kauri Dieback Management.
“Kauri dieback is still a huge problem so upgrading these tracks is about protecting the healthy trees in the ngahere (forest) and preventing the disease from spreading”.
White Track is the latest to reopen after remedial work was completed.
Stu Leighton says it’s always a good feeling to reopen a track after upgrading work has been completed.
“We know how much people love getting out into nature so to facilitate that is great”.
“What’s good to remember is each track opening represents a huge amount of work and commitment by our team and partners to protect these majestic trees”.
Work has also been completed on Donald McLean Track but Stu says it will stay closed to allow access to adjoining tracks.
“We don’t want to open a track and then close it again while we use it to access work on neighbouring tracks”.
He says it is easier to open Donald McLean once all the upgrade work is completed on the adjacent tracks.
He acknowledges that track upgrades are a huge undertaking with work happening across the region.
“We have multiple projects on the go at the same time”.
“It isn’t just about the Waitākere Ranges but about ensuring the track network throughout Tāmaki Makaurau is up to a standard where trampers have the smallest impact on the environment”.
Stu reminds people to be vigilant even with the completed upgrades.
“Stick to the tracks that have been upgraded and re-opened, use the hygiene stations, make sure your footwear is clean before heading out and please stick to the rules”.
Progress of track upgrade work
|
Area |
Track Name |
Progress |
|
Waitakere Regional Park |
White Track |
100 per cent - NOW OPEN |
|
|
Donald McLean Track |
100 per cent - CLOSED to the public while neighbouring tracks are upgraded |
|
|
Ōmanawanui |
75 per cent |
|
|
Pūriri Ridge Track |
Initial work has begun |
|
|
Karamatura Track |
30 per cent |
|
|
Karamatura Loop |
25 per cent |
|
|
Spragg Bush Track |
75 per cent |
|
|
Winstone Track |
Initial work has begun |
|
|
Ahuahu Track |
Work scheduled to begin next few weeks |
|
|
Cutty Grass Track |
Work scheduled to begin next few weeks |
|
|
Maungaroa Lookout |
Scoping stage |
|
|
Parau Track |
Scoping stage |
|
|
Panto Track |
Scoping stage |
|
Southern Regional Parks |
Eve’s Track (Whakanewha) |
Track diverted away from kauri |
|
|
Wairoa Southern Loop |
50 per cent |
|
|
Red Loop (Waharau) |
Work scheduled to begin next few weeks |
|
|
Settlers Track (Awhitu) |
Work has begun |
|
|
Hunua Ranges entry point upgrades |
Design work has begun |
|
Northern Regional Parks |
Glenfern (Aotea / Great Barrier Island) |
Work scheduled to begin next few weeks |
|
|
Ecology Trail (Tāwharanui) |
Work scheduled to start in April |
