After a six-year closure, Auckland Council is pleased to announce Cascade Kauri has reopened to the public.
Cascade Kauri is nestled within the northern section of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park and is home to some of the ranges' oldest and most precious stands of kauri. Many tracks through the kauri forest were closed in 2017 to protect these special areas from the spread of kauri dieback disease and a rahui was placed on the forest by mana whenua.
A significant flash flood at Cascade Kauri, which tragically took the lives of two young people, caused significant damage to walking tracks and infrastructure, and storm events in 2023 resulted in further damage to the park.
Over that time, Auckland Council in partnership with local iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki, have completed a comprehensive rejuvenation initiative to protect the park’s unique ecosystem and preserve it for generations to come.
Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the of Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, is thrilled to see the park reopen and appreciates the support from Aucklanders for this important work through the Natural Environment Targeted rate.
“This cherished park is a taonga of the Waitākere Ranges and a place of importance for Te Kawerau ā Maki. I’m so pleased that the public can once again take in its natural wonders as a place for reflection and recreation.
“This successful rejuvenation project is a testament to the collective efforts of Auckland Council park rangers, the kauri dieback team and contractors, alongside our partnership with Te Kawerau ā Maki, and the support of the community.”
The Cascade Kauri key arrival area and surrounding valley has a new name - Te Piringa - meaning the coming together of people and cultures, gifted to the area by Te Kawerau ā Maki.
Edward Ashby, the Pou Tiaki - CEO of Te Kawerau ā Maki, officially reopened Cascade Kauri with karakia and acknowledged the valley’s name change in late December.
“Cascade Kauri / Te Piringa is very significant to Te Kawerau ā Maki. This is where our kaumatua called down the rāhui to heal the mauri of the forest and provide time for upgrades.
“It is a challenge of our tikanga to balance the mauri and wairua of the place with recreation and we’re proud of the work we’ve done with Auckland Council and the brilliant construction crew on the upgrades. It has taken a collaborative effort and commitment from all involved and we extend our gratitude to the community for their understanding and patience during the closure.”
The reopening marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat the threat posed to kauri.
The restoration project included rigorous measures to minimise the spread of Kauri dieback, including enhanced cleaning stations, boardwalks, and information signs to educate visitors on the importance of protecting these majestic trees.
A Controlled Area Notice remains in place for the park, and Auckland Council’s General Manager of Parks and Community Facilities Taryn Crewe asks visitors to respect the newly reopened area by sticking to paths.
“We’re so pleased to welcome back visitors to Cascade Kauri, but we do ask everyone to respect the site by washing your footwear and equipment on entry and exit, and by sticking to the designated walking areas.
“Cascade Kauri and the wider Waitākere Ranges Regional Park are taonga to Tāmaki Makaurau, and together we can take measures to protect the ancient kauri within them.”
Alongside kauri dieback measures and track repairs, Cascade Kauri also features a new multi-span bridge, improved boardwalks to increase accessibility, two toilet blocks, a car park and interpretive signage to educate and inform visitors.
Cascade Kauri contains three walks; Upper Te Piringa (20 minutes return), Lower Te Piringa (40 minutes return) and the Montana Heritage Trail (4 and ½ hours look out).
Previously known as the Auckland City Walk, the Te Piringa tracks were initially intended to be a 60-minute loop within the park connected by a bridge. However, the bridge was damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle, requiring the realignment of a section of the track and a new bridge. The decision was made to split the track in two and reopen for the public to enjoy while funding is secured to repair the bridge and rejoin the loop.
Cascade Kauri is open now with carpark access off Falls Road. Gate access is available from 8am – 9pm daily during summer.
