A popular local track connecting the Titirangi community to its local beach is now open again, with more to follow as Auckland Council continues its work to restore safe public access, while protecting precious native ecosystems.
The Chair of the Parks Committee, Councillor Ken Turner, says the reopening of Zig Zag Track is a welcome milestone for the .
“We’re really pleased to see much-loved tracks like Zig Zag opening again — it’s a sign of the steady progress being made across the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park to get things back to normal after the extreme weather events of 2023,” says Councillor Turner.
“Our communities have been patient, and it’s great to be able to share the news that more tracks are on the way, with Smyth Ridge, Kuataika and Zion Hill all set to reopen in the coming months.”
Zig Zag Track, which links Titirangi Beach Road to the shore below, is primarily used by locals heading down to the water. It reopened this week after being closed as a result of the severe weather events of 2023, and has since undergone significant upgrades to improve drainage, stabilise the path, and protect the surrounding ngahere.
The CEO of Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust, Edward Ashby, acknowledges the importance of the ngahere being protected and respected as access is restored to Waitākere Ranges tracks.
“We support the reopening of these tracks in a way that safeguards the health of the whenua and kauri. This land carries deep cultural significance, and we appreciate the partnership approach with Auckland Council to managing its future,” says Mr Ashby.
The work is part of Auckland Council’s ongoing programme to reopen tracks across the Waitākere Ranges with stronger safeguards to protect kauri and provide better experiences for walkers.
Zig Zag Track winds through native bush in the heart of Titirangi, featuring a series of switchbacks and stairs. It offers a peaceful route for pedestrians, showcasing mature trees, ferns, and birdsong.
The 2.9 kilomentre-long track starts on Park Road in Titirangi and joins Titirangi Beach Road, culminating at Waitākere Central Regional Park with beach access. It is suitable for walkers with moderate fitness.
Scott De Silva, Auckland Council’s Manager of Regional Parks, says the Zig Zag upgrade is part of a wider effort to restore local tracks damaged by weather and protecting kauri.
“Restoring tracks like Zig Zag isn’t as simple as clearing a path. Our contractors and rangers work around steep terrain, mature native trees, and ongoing flood damage — all while protecting the sensitive ecology of the area. It’s careful, complex work, and I’m proud of what the team has achieved to reconnect this local accessway.”
Three more upgraded tracks are also set to reopen in the coming months. Smyth Ridge Track and Kuatiaka Track, which connect Anawhata Beach Track to Long Road track, are set to reopen in September. Work on the popular Zion Hill track in Karekare is due to be completed this spring.
These three tracks have been closed since 2017 to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback and to upgrade them to dry-foot standards, reducing the risk of disease transmission.
Heading out to the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park for a walk? Track users are reminded to use cleaning stations and check the latest updates before heading out.
For more updates on track openings and closures across the network, go to OurAuckland.
